The recent wave of protests and civil unrest in Kenya has taken a devastating toll on the country’s youth. Tragically, reports indicate that 9 out of 10 young protesters have been swept up by peer pressure without a full understanding of the finance bill that has sparked these demonstrations.
This lack of information has led to senseless loss of life, with many youth falling victim to gunfire and accidents during the chaotic protests.
As parents and guardians, we have a sacred duty to guide and protect our children during these tumultuous times. It is incumbent upon us to have open and honest conversations with our youth, ensuring they comprehend the nuances of the political situation and the very real dangers they face by joining the demonstrations. We must impress upon them the value of peaceful protest, and the importance of seeking credible information from trusted sources rather than blindly following the crowd.
However, the responsibility to safeguard our young people cannot lie solely with their immediate families. This is a collective challenge that demands the engagement of the entire community. Teachers, religious leaders and local authorities must all step up to provide our youth with the knowledge, resources and support they need to make informed decisions.
Counselling services, educational forums and supervised protest activities can help channel passion into constructive, non-violent activism.
Furthermore, our government must also bear its share of the burden. Improved transparency, responsive policymaking and a commitment to de-escalation can go a long way in restoring trust and reducing the need for widespread demonstrations.
Only by working together – as parents, community members, and civil servants – can we ensure a brighter, safer future for Kenya’s next generation.
The loss of a young life is a tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. But with vigilance, empathy and a shared sense of responsibility, we can steer our youth away from harm’s way and towards a more just and prosperous Kenya. The time to act is now.
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