Rigathi Gachagua Calls Kenya’s Youth the Nation’s Key Asset, Urges Strategic Investment

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-22 15:30 EAT.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has underscored the critical role of Kenya’s young people in propelling national development, calling for focused policies and investment to unlock their potential. Speaking after meeting youth leaders in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua emphasised that with over three-quarters of Kenyans under 35, the nation cannot afford to leave young people behind.

1) The Latest

• On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Gachagua hosted young leaders from Kirinyaga at his Wamunyoro Residence, praising their energy, ideas, and commitment. He used the gathering to call on decision-makers to prioritize youth development. 

• Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:

  “Our country’s greatest asset lies in our youthful population. With a significant proportion of our citizens being young people, it is imperative that we recognise their immense potential and prioritise strategic investments in their development.” 

• He reminded his audience that youth are more than just participants; they are partners in change. He also implied that upcoming political strategies, especially ahead of the 2027 election, must integrate youth voices. 

2) Context in Brief

• Kenya’s demographics show that more than 75 % of its population is under the age of 35, making youth engagement a central issue in politics and policy. 

• Gachagua has increasingly used youth-focused engagement and grassroots mobilization as part of his political strategy since his impeachment in October 2024 and public announcements aiming at the 2027 general elections. 

• The meeting in Kirinyaga follows similar engagements in Murang’a where Gachagua met MCAs and grassroots leaders. Analysts interpret these as efforts to build influence particularly in central Kenya. 

3) Law, Policy & Process

• There is no constitutional requirement compelling a politician to invest specifically in youth leadership programmes; however, policy frameworks such as the Kenya Vision 2030, and various youth empowerment policies mandate that youth are a priority group.

• If government or county governments respond, funds and programs targeting youth (vocational training, mentorship, entrepreneurship) must comply with public finance laws (Procurement, Budget Acts) and oversight.

• Political parties are free to mobilize and engage youth; however, any pledges or programs that use public resources will attract scrutiny under laws governing accountability, for example Leadership & Integrity (Article 73) and national values in the Constitution (Article 10).

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Rigathi Gachagua:

  “Our country’s greatest asset lies in our youthful population … it is imperative that we recognise their immense potential and prioritise strategic investments in their development.” 

• Young leaders present from Kirinyaga County: While specific names are not yet made public in all reports, participants expressed optimism. One attendee said they appreciated the platform to voice challenges and proposed solutions in education, jobs, and governance. (Summarised from reports) 

• Analysts / Political Commentators: Commentators observe that Gachagua’s youth engagement comes at a time when many political leaders are doing the same. The strategy helps players build support, demonstrate relevance beyond rhetoric, especially in populous counties. 

• Public / Civil Society: Some youth groups have welcomed the statement, urging follow-through in terms of programmes, opportunities, and funding. Others caution that similar statements have been made before without concrete delivery. (Reflected in media commentary) 

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Risk of empty promises: Without translation into concrete policies, funding or programs, rhetoric may be viewed cynically, especially by youth facing unemployment and cost-of-living pressures.

• Mobilization vs Expectation: Gachagua engaging with youth builds political capital, but raises expectations—if unmet, could backfire.

• Competition in Central Kenya: His outreach in Kirinyaga and Murang’a suggests a map of influence being drawn; there may be competition for youth support among political rivals.

• Policy alignment: Other parties and government arms may respond by matching or countering youth commitments—there may be pressure to propose or implement robust youth policy interventions.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• What specific investments Gachagua is proposing (e.g., mentorship programmes, skills training, financing, internships).

• What timelines, budget allocations, or legislative proposals might be introduced to back up the call.

• How the youth in other regions (outside central Kenya) perceive Gachagua’s call or whether similar engagements are occurring.

• Whether these engagements will result in coalitions, youth wings’ structuring, or political mobilization with broader reach.

8) Timeline

• Oct 2024: Gachagua impeached as Deputy President. 

• September 2025 (recent weeks): Meetings in Murang’a and Kirinyaga with MCAs, youth leaders. 

• September 22, 2025: Public post and statement emphasising youth as Kenya’s greatest asset. Hosted youth leaders in Kirinyaga. 

9) What to Watch Next

• Whether Gachagua (or his party / coalition) will publish a youth development plan or policy document with specific programmes.

• Budget proposals or amendments targeting youth development in upcoming national or county budgets.

• How this message meshes with his declared intention to run for presidency in 2027, including whether this will shape his campaign platform.

• Reactions from youth groups, opposition parties, and civil society—both positive and critical—on how realistic and inclusive the proposed investments are.

Related Coverage

• Invest in young people or lose Kenya’s future – Gachagua warns (People Daily) 

• Kenya’s greatest asset lies in its youth, says Gachagua (The Star) 

• Gachagua Calls Kenya’s Youth the Nation’s Key Asset (Mwakilishi) 

Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as Gachagua (or his team) share specific policy proposals or programs following this youth engagement call.

Corrections: None identified at time of writing.