Youths have in general continued to underestimate how impactful their active participation in politics could be.
It is not about being political but rather being aware of the issues ailing our society and taking part in solving them.
Currently, we make up to 78 per cent of the country's total population and more than half of the total 19 million registered voters.
On our own, as university students, we form a constituency-a voting block.
We are the numbers. Notice the sudden endearment politicians have been showing us lately during campaign season.
Now more than ever, we have a reason to be actively engaged in politics.
To be vocal about our concerns as we are the most hit by the poor policies this nation has in play.
Being the majority voters, the election results will depict what the youth believe in; our ideologies and who we deem fit to lead the people of Kenya.
For the same reason, we have the power through democracy to change policies that are not beneficial to us.
The numbers thing is a big blessing if we are willing to realise it.
Because we are the majority, we could execute non-violent socio-political revolutions in our political jurisdiction targeting paradigm shifts in governance.
We could also voice long-term solutions to our perennial problems and do away with short-term solutions such as handouts and have sustainable remedies such as empowerment initiatives.
Civic education should be our first move to increase youth participation in politics.
This will allow us to make better decisions when exercising our rights.
If we are equipped with knowledge of the country's political history and political culture, then we will use better parameters to decide on the right leaders for us other than choosing along tribal lines.
Through civic education, we can learn to have a common front in the ways we handle political issues.
We can create platforms for engagement with political players, this will in turn increase accountability from politicians to Kenyans.
Being the majority, our action or inaction will greatly determine the course of this country.
Youth should actively participate in politics and show a common front in their civic duties, decision-making and execution of the same decisions
Student at Rongo University
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
