Kenyan youth, particularly Gen Zs, were on Friday, June 13, urged to use their talents to build a better world and challenge the status quo.
While speaking to 170 graduating students at Brookhouse School's 17th graduation ceremony, former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta urged youth to be “architects of global change”, expressing her admiration for the new “bold” generation.
Further, she acknowledged the courage of Gen Zs in challenging the status quo, noting it was critical in ensuring global transformation and confronting injustices.
“You have learned to leverage your talents, not just for personal success, but to build a better world by contributing your gifts and brilliant minds to the world,” Margaret stated.
“I see a bold generation rising, one ready to question the status quo, reimagine the future, and confront injustices,” she said.
Margaret, who mostly stays away from the public limelight, noted that the brilliance of the youth must drive innovation, experiment with new ideas, and build a new world away from the chaos that is engulfing it.
“Go forth and shine. Wherever life takes you, let your light transform the world,” she asserted.
Her message follows former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s challenge to Gen Zs to continue fighting for their rights amidst various governance issues experienced during the tenure of his successor, William Ruto.
While speaking during the burial of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai in January, Uhuru did not hide his thoughts on the rising influence of Kenyan youth on political discourse.
Uhuru, who has largely shied away from speaking on politics since he left office in 2022, asked the youth to continue fighting for their rights.
“The problem with people nowadays is that they are afraid. Gen Zs are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Fight to ensure you are getting what is rightfully yours,” he urged.
He went on to add, “Don't stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you. Everything is worth fighting for. If you do not fight for it, don't cry if it is taken away.”
Uhuru was pleading with youths, including his daughter Ngina Kenyatta, to also join the fight, arguing it was time for him and his peers to rest and hand over the fight.
