Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged young people to take up leadership roles to shape the nation’s future, warning them against waiting for power to be handed to them.
Speaking at the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) Annual Alumni Conference at Windsor Hotel on 16th December, 2025, Kenyatta reminded the youth of Kenya’s heroes Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba, who were instrumental in shaping Kenya in their twenties, a true testament that youth is not a barrier to impact.
“If you continue believing you are the leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come. You are the leaders of today. Your ideas, your courage, your personal commitment will shape the future of Africa,” he said.
Kenyatta, who delivered a keynote address celebrated young people spearheading humanitarian and social issues across the continent, noting Africa’s renewal had already began through vibrant youth committed to the transformation of their countries.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu in his address, noted investing in young leaders was the foundation for lasting regional peace and unity, asking the youth to make better choices despite challenges that have been caused by previous regimes.
The conference brought together IGAD Leadership Academy alumni under the theme “Harnessing Youth Leadership to Drive Africa’s Growth”,
“If we are to achieve real regional cooperation, we must first cultivate the minds of the youth. Their destinies are intertwined, and the future of our region depends on how well they learn to work together today”, Dr Wokneh said.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige urged the young leaders to to build their leadership on depth, purpose and spiritual grounding, reminding the youth that success is built on hardwork and humility.
