Any society is as healthy as its youth. In other words, if the young people of any society do not bear any promise, then that is a doomed society. As the country goes through a difficult time in terms of leadership, there is hope for tomorrow given the large number of young people who have sought and managed to win positions of leadership in various parts of the country. These youthful leaders have different levels of ability and influence, and these are the two factors that determine the level of promise each of these youthful leaders carry. 1,000 adult Kenyans were asked by interviewers from the Centre for African Progress (CAP) to rank youthful leaders in terms of their promise for the future, and the list is as follows:
10. Senator Hezena Lemaletian (3%, 30 votes)
As one of the youngest legislators, this nominated Senator from Samburu has done enough to capture the attention of the nation. She has involved herself in addressing various issues touching on women and young people with passion and admirable dedication. Hezena leads an active life both in and out of the senate. As she continues to serve, she is gaining more experience and exposure, and these will be vital in propelling her to even higher levels of leadership in future. She is one of the most articulate female leaders in parliament, and her confidence is an inspiration to many young girls across the country.
9. Senator Edwin Sifuna-Nairobi County Senator (3.5%, 35 votes)
Although he started off as a somehow timid newcomer, Sifuna has quickly gained confidence and with it, he has earned the admiration of the public for his insightful debates in the senate. He is in the Great Triad-the three senators who treat Kenyans to intellectually stimulating and exciting debates. The other two are senators Richard Onyonka of Kisii County and Moses Kajwang of Homabay. If he maintains his current pace, confidence, and courage, his rise to even higher levels of leadership is assured.
8. Hon. Betty Maina-Woman Representative, Murang’a County (5%, 50 votes)
At 35 years of age, the Murang’a County Woman Representative is one of the most promising youthful leaders in the country. Given the small number of female youthful leaders who have tossed themselves into the ring of leadership, she faces limited completion and will certainly scale the rungs of the ladder of leadership in the days to come. In addition to her youthful energy, she is also courageous, tough as nails, and articulate.
7. H.E. Johnson Sakaja-Governor, Nairobi County (7%, 70 votes)
At 44 years of age, Johnson Koskei Sakaja still has room for growth beyond serving as the governor of the country’s capital. He has garnered considerable experience that can see him serve in the cabinet or any other senior leadership position. Poor performance as Nairobi County governor has resulted in low popularity ratings for him, and this is likely to lead to his defeat in the 2027 general elections.
6. Nixon Korir- Principal Secretary, Ministry of Lands (8.4%, 84 votes)
After serving as a member of parliament for one term representing Langata Constituency, Nixon Korir found his way to government as a principal secretary in the critical ministry of lands where he continues to serve diligently. He is one of President William Ruto’s confidants, and given his young age, he is likely to find his way to some other position of leadership in future. He has largely stayed away from the controversies plaguing Ruto’s government, and this will make it easy for him to seek and possibly win an elective position in the days to come.
5. Alex Wachira-Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy (9.4%, 94 votes)
Alex Wachira is one of the youngest principal secretaries. He has played a critical role in the continued efforts by the government to enable as many Kenyans as possible to have access to affordable electricity. With the experience he is picking as he serves in his current position, his future in leadership is not in doubt.
4. Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP, Saboti Constituency (12%, 120 votes)
Hon. Amisi is one of the most courageous legislators from Luhyaland. He does not fear controversy and often speaks his mind even on subjects that others choose to give a wide berth. His lowly beginnings as an orphan who has risen through the grace of God and the virtues of discipline, hard work, and integrity serve as inspiration and motivation for young people across the country. He is poised to occupy a top slot in Luhya politics as well as national leadership. It helps that he is a smart fellow who can think quickly on his feet.
3. Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, Kiharu Constituency Member of Parliament (12.7%, 127 votes)
Prior to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Ndindi Nyoro was a political star who a good number of observers felt was headed for the stars. But the choice to not vote yes or no during the impeachment process cast him in negative light as he came out as someone unwilling to take a firm stand during moments of controversy. However, he is still considered one of the most promising youthful leaders in the country.
2. Hon. Karungo wa Thangwa, Kiambu County Senator (17%, 170 votes)
The Kiambu County senator has carved a space for himself in Kiambu and Mt. Kenya politics as a fierce defender of the interests of the region. He is a courageous fellow who does not shy away from controversy. He is a key cog in the Wamunyoro bandwagon, appearing with the former Deputy President in nearly all his rallies. His rise to senior leadership in Mt. Kenya and possibly in the country is almost guaranteed.
1. Hon. Babu Owino, MP, Embakasi East (22%, 220 votes)
Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, holds the most promise as far as youthful leaders are concerned. He has a nationwide appeal and is easily the most recognizable youthful leader in the country. It is impossible to think of a county where Babu can visit and go unnoticed, something even veteran leaders and politicians struggle to achieve. As his name achieves household status, it will be easy for him to pursue national office. He remains the most popular candidate for Nairobi County governorship according to polls by the Centre for African Progress (CAP).