Learners embrace calls for national dialogue
By Cynthia Atuo and Abiner Gekonde, July 23, 2025In what seems like an about-turn, a section of Kenyan youths now wants to have dialogue with the government.
Through the University Student Leaders Council (USLC), represented by learners from several institutions across Kenya, the students’ representatives called for an urgent need for an inter-generational national conversation.
While acknowledging the need for dialogue with the government, they insisted on a structured, inclusive, and citizen-led national dialogue that will focus on and address the grievances and aspirations of the Kenyan youth.
Political crises
Their move comes just a day after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to embrace conversation over confrontation in order to resolve the country’s deepening social and political crises.
The proposal for an inter-generational parley stems from recent protests, which left a number of hundreds of youth injured and dozens dead.
“We welcome the idea by Raila Odinga to have this national conversation. We have witnessed several looting and deaths of our youth, and as the student leaders, we are assembling and convening here today to show our utmost support for the intergenerational conflict,” stated Aloy Joel while addressing the press.
He further stated that this decision was reached following a consultation with their fellow students, most of whom are Gen Zs.
However, the student leaders emphasised the need for peace, equality, inclusion for all and the dialogue to be free from political interference.
“We want it to be a purely youth agenda and the agenda of the Transparency of the Republic of Kenya. So, we are going to do it our way, and we do not expect any politicians to direct us in any way on how we are going to handle these things,” stated Aaron Odhiambo, a member of USLC.
In the dialogue, the youth are hoping to sit down and discuss matters of health, equality and discrimination concerns, employment and youth empowerment.
“There is an increase in unemployment rates. And in times of the demos, the idle youth are the ones who storm the streets because they feel the pain.” Peace Issa, the current JKUAT Student Council President, said.
They further insisted that the Kenyan youth are skilled and educated and have the capacity to contribute positively towards national building.
“For so long, the youth have been left out. Especially in decision-making processes. We need to be engaged in what the government is doing in the form of procurement of tenders and many other things,” stated Peace Laavisa, the current JKUAT Student Council President.
Police brutality
He also added that in the wake of the ongoing strikes in Kenya, there has been a wave of property destruction and untimely deaths, which have been quite disturbing.
“We are tired of losing our loved ones. We are saying no more to Mandamano,” they declared, adding that all victims of the protests, nationwide, should be compensated and justice be served.
In light of this, the student leaders are calling for answers, particularly from the president, regarding police brutality and are insisting that there should be urgent reforms in the police sector.
“We really want the police reforms to be put in place as quickly as possible. Because actually in the past few days or the past few months, we have unjustly lost a lot of youths due to police brutality,” observed Odhiambo.
As they deliberate and plan for the dialogue, the leaders want the initiative to start from the ward level to the sub-county, county, and finally the national level.