For our youth, this is a call to action to reshape our nation’s future through hope, planning, order and tenacity.
Just as an architect sketches every detail before the first stone is laid, so must we approach the coming year with deliberate intent and an unyielding belief in our potential.
A wise old man once told me the story of a mighty river that flowed relentlessly through the savannah. For years, it encountered a colossal rock in its path, unyielding and immovable. But the river, undeterred, did not halt its journey.
Instead, it carved a new course, sometimes trickling over the rock, sometimes seeping around it. Eventually, the rock eroded into sand, swept away by the river’s perseverance.
The lesson? Challenges will always rise before us, but persistence and adaptability will forge a path.
The youth of Kenya showed what they can achieve in 2024, and their political awakening is still unfolding as we end the year. These youth are the river. The rocks are the obstacles: unemployment, climate change, political disillusionment and inequality. Yet, with determination and focus on six priority areas, the seemingly impossible can be achieved.
Education remains the foundation of progress. In 2025, Kenyan youth must not only seek formal education but also embrace lifelong learning. Technology has transformed the world into an interconnected classroom. Platforms offering free or affordable courses in coding, digital marketing and entrepreneurship can empower young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Consider the story of Amina, my neighbour in Thika, a young woman from Garissa who, despite dropping out of school, taught herself web design using free online tutorials.
Today, she runs a successful digital agency, creating jobs for others in her community. Her journey illustrates that education, both formal and informal, is the ladder that can lift entire communities out of poverty.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. Kenyan youth have a pivotal role in championing environmental conservation. Simple actions such as tree planting, waste recycling and advocating clean energy can create a ripple effect. Imagine if every young person planted five trees this year; we could restore degraded lands and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Environmental initiatives can also be tied to economic opportunity. Green entrepreneurship, like creating biogas from waste or making reusable bags, is both lucrative and sustainable. By prioritising the environment, youth can secure a livable future while creating jobs.
We all know that our Kenyan spirit is inherently entrepreneurial. From the bustling markets of Gikomba to the innovative tech hubs of Nairobi, youth are redefining business. In 2025, the focus should be on scaling these efforts by embracing technology, forming cooperatives and seeking mentorship.
Take the analogy of a seed. Planted in fertile ground and nurtured, it grows into a tree, bearing fruits year after year. Entrepreneurship is much the same. With the right tools and support, young Kenyans can build businesses that provide lasting solutions to societal challenges.
Our beloved motherland needs leaders with integrity, vision and a commitment to serving the common good. Civic engagement is not limited to politics; it encompasses community service, activism and holding leaders accountable. By participating in local decision-making processes, youth can influence policies that directly impact their lives.
Consider my former student Wanjiku, who in November mobilised her community to repair a dilapidated road that had been ignored for years in Kitengela. Her leadership inspired others to contribute resources, and together they achieved what seemed impossible. Leadership is about taking the initiative and rallying others to a shared vision.
In the hustle to achieve success, mental health often takes a backseat. Yet, a sound mind is crucial for sustained progress. Kenyan youth must prioritise self-care, seek help when overwhelmed and support friends and family who might be struggling. Ending the stigma around mental health is as important as addressing unemployment or education.
Communities should also provide safe spaces where young people can share their challenges. Peer support groups, counselling centres and public awareness campaigns can ensure no one suffers in silence.
Amid rapid modernisation, preserving our cultural heritage is vital. Kenya’s rich heritage of traditions, languages and art forms is a source of pride and unity. Youth can embrace this heritage by learning their native languages, participating in cultural festivals and incorporating traditional wisdom into modern solutions.
In the words of African wisdom: If you know the beginning well, the end will not trouble you. Understanding our roots gives us clarity about our future. By valuing our identity, we create a strong foundation for building a united, forward-looking nation.
So as the New Year dawns, imagine a phoenix rising from the ashes. This mythical bird, reborn after every death, symbolises renewal and transformation. Our country, too, can rise from its challenges of 2024 and earlier years, fuelled by the energy and creativity of its youth. But this requires deliberate planning and effort. A phoenix doesn’t simply emerge; it rises because it chooses to.
In this month of December, Nelson Mandela’s words remind us that the impossible becomes possible through effort and perseverance. Let us embrace the coming year with optimism, courage and a commitment to excellence. Happy New Year and a prosperous 2026 to all of us children of the republic of red, black, white and green. A luta continua.
