Matiang’i demands deliberate investment in youth potential, warns against exclusion
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 18, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has called for urgent action to include young people in decision-making, warning that many feel locked out of opportunities that shape their future.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the former interior cabinet secretary said Kenya risks falling behind if it ignores the voices and talents of its youth.
“This afternoon, I had the privilege of joining thousands of young people at the Kenya Anglican Youth Organization (KAYO) Conference at St. Thomas Cathedral, Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County,” he wrote.
Matiang’i said many young people across the country feel excluded from key spaces, including leadership and economic opportunities. He stressed that this must change if Kenya is to make real progress.
“Our nation cannot afford to overlook the aspirations, talents, and voices of its youth. Yet today, many young people feel excluded from opportunities and decision-making spaces that directly shape their future. That must change,” he said.
He added that leaders must invest in young people and create clear pathways for them to take part in national development.
“I firmly believe that meaningful progress lies in empowering our youth, through opportunity, inclusion, and deliberate investment in their potential,” he said.
Matiang’i argued that the country’s future depends on how well it supports the younger generation.
“Kenya’s future will be defined by how well we support and uplift this generation,” he stated.
Grassroots push gains momentum
His remarks come a day after he stepped up political activity at the grassroots. On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Jubilee Party deputy leader opened the party’s office in Gatundu South as part of a wider mobilisation plan ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During that event, he met traders and residents and listened to their concerns about the economy. He said their experiences highlight the need for leadership that focuses on ordinary citizens.
“Their resilience is a powerful reminder of why we must build an economy that works for every Kenyan,” he said in an earlier post.
The Jubilee Party has been expanding its presence across the country, opening offices in several regions to strengthen its structures and reach more voters.
Matiang’i’s latest message places young people at the centre of that agenda.
“Together, we can build a country that works for its young people,” he said.