Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i showing his dance moves when he met youth leaders in Nakuru on Friday, October 3, 2025/Matiang'i, XFormer Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on young Kenyans to actively engage in shaping the country’s future, following a consultative meeting with youth leaders in Nakuru Town.
In a tweet shared after the event on Friday, Matiang’i expressed optimism about Kenya’s prospects, emphasising the need to listen to the younger generation’s ideas and aspirations.
“The session reaffirmed my belief in the potential of the youth to spearhead positive changes and address the failures of the present,” he said.
The meeting brought together youth leaders from across Nakuru County for what Matiang’i described as a “consultative engagement.”
The platform allowed young people to discuss various issues affecting them and the wider community, highlighting the importance of their voices in decision-making processes.
“The significance of this meeting lies in its potential to foster greater involvement of youth in the political and social spheres of Kenya,” Matiang’i noted.
Young people make up a significant portion of the population, and their participation is critical for sustainable solutions to national challenges, he added.
Matiang’i, who previously served in key government roles overseeing education and internal security, has continued to focus on community engagement and youth empowerment.
Observers say his involvement in such initiatives signals a commitment to public service beyond formal government structures and may hint at future political ambitions.
During the session, Matiang’i reminded participants of the core principles of democracy.
“My younger brothers and sisters, you will meet people who hold different political views. Your responsibility is not to fight them, but to convince and persuade them about your ideology or party. We have chosen democracy, and democracy means that every person has the right to choose their political path. It also means you have the right of political association, to belong to a party and to stand by what you believe in,” he said.
Social media reactions to the engagement were largely positive, with users commending Matiang’i for prioritising youth issues.
Many expressed hope that the discussions would translate into tangible policies that benefit young people and the broader community.
The event underscores the increasing recognition of the pivotal role youth play in shaping Kenya’s future, highlighting a shift towards more inclusive governance and the value of listening to young voices in national development.
