President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke candidly to the youth during the inaugural Kenya ni Mimi Campaign Forum held at the Bomas of Kenya on December 7.
The session involved a Q&A session between the President and the youth. Bernard (one of the youth in attendance) asked the President whether one should marry first or set out in pursuit of money then look into marriage afterwards.
President Uhuru let out a chuckle before going on to give an elaborate answer about the benefits and shortcomings of both scenarios.
"If you have to find the right partner at your early age, then I would advise you to start the journey and keep things together as you all get along and know each other well. It is never wrong to start marriage life early, marriage is about partnership & commitment.
"Ata kama mtakuwa mnaishi kwa room moja na yeye hapo, you can still start from there and grow (even if you live in a single room as you start your journey, it's okay as you'll get to know each at a very intimate level), he explained.
He went on to detail how finding his soul mate at a young age has allowed him to see his children grow into adulthood, 'and I am still not that old you know. So, I get to enjoy their company with most of my energy still intact" he elaborated.
However, he equally advised the youth to focus on going through the education process and securing their future before thinking of marriage.
Bernard had asked the people who were still single to raise their hands. President Kenyatta referred to this in his final remarks by pointing out that Ministry of ICT CAS Nadia Abdalla had raised her hand as part of the 'singles' club.
"Bernard, if I were you, I would take note of that and do what needs to be done," he said jokingly, leaving the entire hall in fits of laughter.
He went on to assure the youth that his retirement would not stop him from pushing for youth inclusion in government, “I will advocate for youth involvement in youth affairs even after I retire from Presidency,” he asserted.
To mark the youthful event, the president and CAS Nadia took to the dance floor and showed off a few moves while dancing to a popular Tanzanian song.
CAS Nadia Abdalla is the one who came up with the Kenya ni Mimi campaign.
“I came up with the #KenyaNiMimi initiative to provide the youth of this country a platform for their empowerment,” she explained.
