Basil Koech
Frantz Fanon said, “ Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it."
As the 2027 elections draws closer, a wind of change is coming strongly, blowing up and disrupting status quo, many young people are now bravely offering themselves up for leadership.
It’s why I have answered the call of my generation and joined a political party, registered as an aspirant and offered myself for elective politics in Kimugul ward for a the position of Member of County assembly.
It’s why am compelled to make a call to my generation to make bold decisions and understand the importance of this national psyche, that young people are the leaders of today.
While canvassing, I have experienced certain realities that the upcoming young crop of leaders must know; that it’s now not about selling empty rhetoric, the voter is interested in real- practical solutions to the problems they face.
For instance, whilst traversing Kimugul, I have interacted with various groups of people, including coffee farmers who have requested support in their nursery beds.
As a youth, my construct had to switch and understand coffee farming, to know what they need, consult widely, thus providing them with protective nursery nets and root tubes to help them in early coffee farming. These are practical methods that youths must be willing to learn and apply.
Without forgetting the high expectations from youth, as a leader am awake to the reality that leadership is about service, that’s why I have realised that I must activate my networks, in order to empower youth groups, with transformative programmes that will mark a legacy.
The choice of political party, is also a factor, that’s why I chose to vie on a UDA ticket, because of regional politics. Young people must be awake to this reality. Be pragmatic and adopt.
As the young crop of leaders, we must bring into the political realm, a fresh start. We carry the aspirations of many hopeful young voters, we must not disappoint them.
And gone are the days, when politics would be decided in boardrooms, the current wave of change has taken power back to the people.
Any young aspirant, must be known for something, voters resonate with somebody whose impact they have felt and there’s an assurance of continuity.
It's crystal clear, that those who lazy around and only wake up during the campaign period have a difficult time. The voter now understands the role of each leader, will interrogate them based on their ability to work. Not endorsements by the political chieftains in a party.
My conviction is that I will have an advantage over my competitors for real action- not slogans. My application of public policy will fight for my campaign, and youths vying must accept and be awake to this reality all through.
At the national level, President William Ruto will use his track record to seek votes. I draw a lot of lessons from him. That impact to the lives of the electorates matters more than populist and short term carrot dangling.
Writer is a politician from Kipkelion East constituency,
Kericho county
