Kenya's former First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, delivered a stirring address to 170 graduating students at Brookhouse School's 17th ceremony on Friday, June 13. Her words were not just congratulations; they were a profound challenge and an expression of unwavering faith in the nation's youth. She passionately urged the young minds, particularly the vibrant Gen Zs, to harness their immense talents not merely for personal gain, but to actively build a better world and fearlessly challenge the prevailing status quo. In a highlight that resonated deeply, she declared, “I see a bold generation rising, one ready to question the status quo, reimagine the future, and confront injustices.”
Margaret Kenyatta, a figure who largely maintains a dignified distance from the public limelight, chose this significant occasion to articulate her profound admiration for this new, "bold" generation. She lauded their inherent courage in scrutinizing existing norms and systems, recognizing this critical spirit as indispensable for driving global transformation and confronting systemic injustices. Her message underscored the idea that the brilliance inherent in today's youth must be the engine of innovation, encouraging them to boldly experiment with novel ideas and actively construct a new world, one that stands in stark contrast to the chaos that often seems to engulf the present. "Go forth and shine. Wherever life takes you, let your light transform the world,” she asserted, bestowing upon them a powerful mandate for change.
This compelling call to action from the former First Lady echoes, and perhaps even amplifies, a similar challenge laid down by former President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this year. While largely maintaining a public silence on political matters since his departure from office in 2022, Uhuru Kenyatta broke his quietude in January at the burial of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai. During his address, he made no secret of his thoughts on the burgeoning influence of Kenyan youth on political discourse, a subtle yet potent commentary on various governance issues arising during the tenure of his successor, President William Ruto.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s message to the youth was unequivocal: continue fighting for your 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, his words carrying the weight of past leadership and an implicit challenge to current dynamics. He went further, impassioning them to actively guard their future and their prosperity: "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.” This was a plea for proactive engagement, a call to vigilance against any perceived erosion of their rightful inheritance and opportunities. Notably, Uhuru even extended his plea to include his own daughter, Ngina Kenyatta, arguing that it was time for him and his generation to step back and hand over the reins of this crucial struggle to the younger generation.
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The confluence of these two powerful voices—the former First Lady and the former President—delivering such a direct and impassioned challenge to Kenya's youth marks a significant moment. It’s a testament to the perceived vitality and potential of Gen Z, recognizing their unique position to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving national and global landscape. The message is clear: this generation is not merely inheriting problems; they are expected to be the solution-finders, the boundary-pushers, and the unwavering advocates for justice and progress.
In an era defined by digital connectivity and an acute awareness of global issues, Kenya's Gen Z stands uniquely equipped to answer this call. Their comfort with technology, their innate ability to mobilize through social media, and their inherent questioning of traditional hierarchies position them as formidable agents of transformation. The challenges they face are immense, ranging from economic uncertainties and governance issues to climate change and social inequities. Yet, as Margaret Kenyatta's words suggest, their bold spirit, their creativity, and their collective determination offer the most promising path forward.
