A recent article by Elias Mokua, a director at the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications, has emphasized the importance of young Kenyans participating in the 2027 general elections. Mokua argues that despite the seeming meaninglessness of the electoral process, young people have the agency and willpower to make a statement through their votes. He cites the 2024 protests, which showed that young Kenyans are intelligent, civically conscious, and capable of organizing and interrogating public decisions.
Mokua notes that the way the 2024 protests were handled may have discouraged some young people from participating in civic matters, but he believes that the 2027 elections offer a less risky opportunity for them to make their voices heard. He acknowledges that some young people may be skeptical about the electoral process, citing concerns about rigging and the lack of transparency. However, he argues that abstention from voting does not necessarily translate to rejection of the current system, but rather a missed opportunity to bring about change.
The article draws inspiration from the philosophical ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that individuals have the will to power and can create their own meaning in life. Mokua applies this idea to the context of the 2027 elections, urging young Kenyans to exercise their own judgment and make deliberate choices about their civic duty. He emphasizes that voting is not a certificate of confidence in the political class, but rather a constitutional means of renewing or withdrawing an electoral mandate.
Mokua also references the existentialist ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that individuals must define themselves through their choices and actions. He encourages young Kenyans to make authentic choices based on their own convictions, rather than following inherited habits or tribal affiliations. This, he believes, is essential for creating a more dignified life and bringing about transformative change.
The article notes that some young people are already taking steps to participate in the electoral process, including supporting a younger presidential candidate, Edwin Sifuna. Others are registering as voters and encouraging their peers to do the same. Mokua believes that this level of engagement is crucial for ensuring that the 2027 elections are fair, credible, and transparent.
The Standard Group Plc, a leading multi-media house in Kenya, has been at the forefront of promoting civic engagement and education. The organization has invested in various media platforms, including newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital, and online services. Its goal is to provide accurate, factual, and impactful stories that inform and engage the public.
As the 2027 general elections approach, young Kenyans are faced with a critical decision about their role in shaping the country's future. Mokua's article serves as a call to action, urging them to exercise their civic duty and participate in the electoral process. By doing so, they can create their own meaning and bring about transformative change in Kenya.
Key points
- Young Kenyans are being encouraged to participate in the 2027 general elections as a way to exercise their civic duty and bring about transformative change.
- The 2024 protests showed that young Kenyans are intelligent, civically conscious, and capable of organizing and interrogating public decisions.
- Abstention from voting does not necessarily translate to rejection of the current system, but rather a missed opportunity to bring about change.
