By IP reporter.
Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli has pledged to be a steadfast advocate for young people in Kenya following a high-level meeting with student leaders from universities and colleges across the country.
In the meeting held with the young leaders at the advent of the week,Wakoli emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping national discourse and development, stating that the country’s future depends on how empowered young people are today.
“It was an honor to engage with vibrant student leaders drawn from institutions across our nation,” Wakoli said in a post on his official Facebook page. “Their ideas, energy, and passion reaffirm my belief that our youth are not just the future—they are the now.”
The student delegation included union presidents, student government representatives, and campus activists.
Key discussion points included access to bursaries, youth unemployment, political representation, mental health support, and digital opportunities in the gig economy.
Wakoli, who became the youngest senator in the 2022 general elections and is a former high school teacher, said his own background allows him to connect directly with the aspirations and frustrations of Kenyan youth.
“I know what it means to struggle, to be overlooked, to wait for opportunity,” he told the student leaders. “But with the right mentorship and policies, we can unlock your potential.”
A Larger Youth Vision.
Beyond the meeting, Wakoli has been actively engaging with youth at national and grassroots levels.
He recently presided over the Ford-Kenya Youth League summit in Nairobi, an event supported by the Oslo Center of Norway and Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The summit focused on enhancing youth involvement in democratic processes and equipping young people with leadership skills.
As the patron of the youth wing of Ford-Kenya, Wakoli is pushing for policy labs, mentorship programs, and civic education to be rolled out across the country—especially in marginalized regions where young people often feel excluded from national decision-making.
“We must institutionalize youth leadership in every level of government and society,” he said. “That means creating room at the table, not just for tokenism, but for real influence.”
A Rising Political Force.
Political analysts see Wakoli as part of a new generation of leaders with potential national appeal.
His youth-focused brand of politics, combined with his ability to rally young voters, could make him a key player in future elections.
“He’s positioning himself as a bridge between the political establishment and the Gen Z and Millennial constituencies,” said Prof. Noah Wekesa, a political scientist at Moi University.
“If he maintains authenticity and delivers results, Wakoli could become a national youth icon.”
In Bungoma County, he has prioritized funding for vocational education, expanded digital learning in TVETs, and pushed for job creation programs through county–national partnerships.
During the meeting with student leaders, Wakoli promised to sponsor a motion in the Senate calling for the establishment of a National Youth Leadership Fund to support innovation, startups, and community initiatives run by young people.
“It’s not enough to talk,” he said. “We need action that gives young people the tools to lead, to earn, and to transform society.”
As the country grapples with rising youth unemployment, high student debt, and a shrinking civic space, Senator Wakoli’s approach—grounded in direct dialogue and policy advocacy—marks a shift toward youth-centered politics.
For many of the student leaders who attended the meeting, Wakoli represents hope.
“He listened to us, took notes, and promised to act,” said Sheila Wanjiru, a student leader from Moi University. “That’s more than most leaders have done.”
Wakoli says he plans to hold regular youth forums in every county and build a national student advisory council to institutionalize youth input in Senate debates.
“Young people are not a burden,” he said. “They are Kenya’s greatest untapped resource.”
Ends.
