Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on Kenyan youth to step into leadership positions, highlighting their critical role in shaping the country’s future.

Taking to his X on October 12, 2025, Matiang’i emphasised the importance of youth involvement in governance and political decision-making.

“To the youth, you are the pillar on which our nation stands. Step forward. Take up the spaces of leadership. Serve your country with courage and vision, and leave a mark that shapes the destiny of our nation,” he stated.

Matiang’i’s remarks underline his belief that young people are essential for sustaining national initiatives and driving progress.

Also watch: Youth urged to register as voters ahead of 2027 elections.

Youth as pillars of progress

Matiang’i reiterated the need for youth participation as part of a broader strategy to strengthen leadership at all levels.

“I want to have a meeting with only youths because you are the pillar. We talk on how you will complete the work you began in 2024, and that work will be completed only if you occupy leadership,” he explained.

He expressed satisfaction at seeing young people contesting for various leadership positions, including Members of Parliament, Woman Representatives, and MCAs.

“I am delighted to see some youths vie for different positions in leadership, be it MPs, Woman rep, MCA. That is the way to go. Tulinde nchi pamoja,” Matiang’i remarked, urging collective effort to safeguard the nation.

At the Adventist Men Organisation (AMO) prayer breakfast on October 5, 2025, Matiang’i assured Kenyans of a government anchored on service, efficiency, and integrity.

“If I am ever given the honour and privilege to serve this country in office, I pledge to you in this sanctuary that I will not let you, my fellow Kenyans, down. You will see a government of efficiency, integrity, and service,” he said.

Also watch: Raila Odinga urges youth to join ODM.

Nationwide mobilisation

Matiang’i earlier, cited his previous initiatives, including the digital migration program, as evidence of his action-oriented approach to governance.

“You will see the same spirit you saw in Jogoo House, the one in the interior of cleaning up, the same spirit in ICT of getting the right thing done. Imagine if we did not migrate on digital migration; where would we be today?” he asked.

He also highlighted his efforts to engage party members nationwide as part of Jubilee’s reorganization and recruitment drive.

“The party has its organs in place; the special NDC was the beginning of that process. Several activities will take place, including recruitment and reorganization of the party, and then choosing a presidential candidate will happen. That is why I am talking to party members at the grassroots; this is just the beginning because I am going to visit all 47 counties,” Matiang’i said.

He called for inclusive national dialogue to ensure young people’s voices are heard.

“These young people feel like they are not being heard. I think that time is here for National government leaders who have consequential convening power to call everyone to the table and have conversations with young people who feel they are not being heard,” he stated.