KILIFI County—Jan 29, 2026—A young youth leader from Kilifi County, Fatuma Ramadhan, has renewed calls for greater youth representation in leadership, saying the continued exclusion of young people from decision-making has contributed to the leadership gap experienced in the county.
Speaking during a youth engagement meeting in Malindi Town Ward, Ramadhan said meaningful leadership cannot be discussed without deliberately including young people, who form the majority of the population and remain the backbone of the county’s economy.
“Too often, young people are left out. The county government has failed to listen, failed to include them in decision-making and failed to create opportunities that reflect their real struggles and dreams,” Ramadhan said.
The meeting, which brought together youth leaders and leaders allied to Governor Aisha Jumwa, focused on the role of young people in governance and the need for structured platforms that allow them to influence policy and development priorities.
Ramadhan argued that the leadership challenges facing the county are a direct result of sidelining young people, despite their numbers, energy and innovation.
“The leadership gap we are witnessing today is because young people have been shut out. Bridging this gap starts with listening to the youth, including them in leadership and empowering them with real opportunities, not empty promises,” she said.
She noted that the country is witnessing a growing Gen-Z push for accountability, inclusion and responsive leadership, a trend she said is likely to shape political discourse ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kilifi County has one of the youngest populations in the country, with unemployment, access to opportunities and political representation remaining key concerns among the youth.
Ramadhan said the current moment presents an opportunity for the county to rethink leadership and governance by embracing leaders who understand youth issues and are prepared to act decisively.
Her remarks come amid early political mobilisation in Kilifi, where youth participation and generational leadership shifts are increasingly taking centre stage ahead of the next polls.
