As Kenyans today mark the first anniversary of last year’s Gen Zs protests, President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga owe them an explanation on the progress of the 10-point agenda they promised to implement when they signed an agreement that birthed the broad-based government. 

The two leaders had promised Kenyans to oversee the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, including protecting and strengthening devolution, economic investment in the youth and safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly. 

A year down the line, nothing tangible from that agenda seems to have been implemented, save for the appointment of close allies and relatives of Raila to senior positions to hoodwink Kenyans about the formation of an “all-inclusive” government. 

If anything, the war on corruption has taken a serious beating, while the issues of integrity of leaders, protection of devolution, economic investment in the youth, implementation of the NADCO report and the protection of people’s right to peaceful assembly have all been disregarded. 

The Ruto-Raila agreement offers an opportunity to strengthen devolution further. Both leaders must ensure that counties have adequate resources that are disbursed within the scheduled time frame, a functional framework, and capacity-building to achieve their full potential. 

Devolution is not just about decentralising power. It’s about empowering local communities to shape their destinies. 

Another pressing issue is the unemployment rate among young people, which is alarmingly high, with many youth still facing limited access to capital, mentorship, and skill development.

As per the agreement, Ruto and Raila must prioritise policies and programmes that offer young people access to quality education, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable employment. 

In recent days, the country has seen its fair share of violent protests, and while the government has responded to demonstrations with force, it is critical to protect the freedom of expression and assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution. 

In a democracy, dissent is not an act of treason but a necessary part of public discourse. Both leaders owe it to the people of Kenya to ensure that this agreement is not just a political tool but a roadmap for a stronger, united, and prosperous nation.