Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i on Tuesday challenged Kenya’s youth to abandon the old mantra of being “leaders of tomorrow” and instead take immediate charge of the nation's destiny. His direct appeal aims to awaken a generation critical to the 2027 electoral outcome.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary’s statement is a calculated move to tap into the immense potential of Kenya’s largest demographic, a group grappling with deep-seated frustrations over unemployment and political alienation. With youth voter registration alarmingly low, Matiang’i’s call is not just a plea but a political necessity for anyone with presidential ambitions. This is the core of his strategy: positioning himself as the champion for a generation that feels largely ignored by the current political establishment.

“I encouraged them to move beyond the outdated notion that they are merely the leaders of tomorrow, and to take up the responsibility of shaping their country today,” Matiang’i stated after a meeting with youth leaders on December 16, 2025. “I appeal to our young people to join me in the struggle to restore our country.”

A Generation at a Crossroads

Matiang’i’s message lands at a critical time for Kenyan youth. Despite being more educated than previous generations, they face staggering unemployment rates. Some estimates place youth unemployment for those aged 15-34 as high as 67%. This economic despair is compounded by a sense of political disenfranchisement, fueling widespread apathy.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has repeatedly raised concerns over the sluggish pace of new voter registration among young people. This disconnect is not lost on political strategists, who recognize that mobilizing this demographic is key to victory in 2027.

Analysts note that Matiang'i's focus on the youth is a direct challenge to the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration and other opposition figures. However, the strategy is not without its hurdles. Political commentator Macharia Munene has observed that the opposition remains fragmented and fraught with suspicion, which could complicate any single leader's attempt to build a unified youth-centric movement. “They are struggling to unite and have not yet found the right formula,” Munene noted, highlighting the internal power struggles that could undermine a cohesive strategy.

The 2027 Battleground

Formally endorsed as Jubilee’s flagbearer in October 2025, Matiang’i is positioning himself as a disciplined, results-oriented alternative. His allies, like Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, argue that his track record in various ministries speaks for itself. Yet, the path to State House is complex, especially within the fluid dynamics of the United Opposition, where figures like Kalonzo Musyoka also command significant influence.

Matiang’i’s call to action has been met with a mix of hope and skepticism from youth leaders themselves. While some welcome the focus on their generation, others remain wary, pointing to his powerful role in a Jubilee government that they argue contributed to the current economic hardships. Social justice activist Wanjira Wanjiru has previously disputed the idea that Matiang'i is a natural fit for the youth, stating, “We don't believe that change will come from people who have been in politics. They've had positions to bring change, but we're here as a country.”

Ultimately, Matiang’i’s success will depend on whether his message of immediate empowerment can translate into tangible action at the ballot box. His challenge is clear: convince a generation tired of promises that he is the leader capable of turning their frustration into a future that works. As he put it directly to them, “If we cannot vote in 2027, we will not change our lives. The only way to initiate change is through voting.”