The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has told political, religious, civic and community-based leaders not to incite young people for political gain even as it made it clear that it is ready to spearhead talks between the government and youths to resolve the current differences between the two. 

At a news conference on July 8, 2025, NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia said that Kenya’s meaningful healing will not come through confrontation but through genuine conversations aimed at addressing the major challenges facing the nation. 

He said that as a guardian of national conscience and cohesion, they have been intentional and deliberate in engaging Gen Z to incorporate their valuable and significant perspectives in the implementation of the Transgenerational Framework. 

He said: “Let us listen to each other, learn from one another, and walk forward as one people. As a Commission, we remain committed to facilitating these dialogues across the country and ensuring that the voices of all generations are not only heard but acted upon.” 

Incite youth 

He added: “We urge all leaders-political, religious, civic, and community-based-not to incite or exploit the frustrations of young people for political gain. Instead, we call on them to join efforts to mentor, guide, and empower the youth as active contributors to nation-building. It is time to turn protests into platforms for progress and frustrations into fuel for reform.” 

In his statement, Kobia instead that the commission is the best place to lead the talks as they are the ones who started the transgenerational Conversations that brought together voices from four generations namely the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Z to be able to address some of the issues currently prevailing the country. 

The conversations, he said, brought together various participants such as the Mau Mau freedom fighter Gitu wa Kahengeri, former Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga, renowned human rights defender Njeri Kabeberi, and a vibrant representation of Millennials and Gen Z. 

Youth discontent 

Kobia regretted that the unrest being experienced is a loud and painful signal of the growing discontent among our youth commonly known as Gen Z’s as they feel excluded, unheard, and increasingly disillusioned. 

According to him, their frustration stems from a combination of factors ranging from high unemployment, economic hardship, lack of trust in institutions, limited opportunities, and a perceived failure of leadership to address their needs and aspirations. 

He said: “The Transgenerational Conversation, a brainchild of NCIC was developed in response to the Commission’s desire to bridge generational divides in Kenya. Recognizing the increasing disconnect between age groups. NCIC saw the urgent need to create a conducive environment where meaningful dialogue between generations could flourish.” 

The commission’s sentiments come hardly a day after Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga called for an urgent national dialogue to address Kenya’s socio-political and economic crisis that has seen thousands troop to the streets in protest. 

At a press conference, Raila proposed the establishment of what he called a national conclave to chart a new path for the country through collective civic engagement and reform. 

He said: “The most important struggle is for good governance and economic opportunities, who was among the vocal young political leaders opposing then-President Daniel Moi’s regime in the 1090s.”