Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) had a student leaders' forum on Youth and Leadership on 17 February 2012. The forum brought together university students, government leaders and peace workers. With General Elections expected by the end of the year, Initiatives of Change (Kenya I Care group) was invited to talk on 'the role of youth in governance and development of the country.' 

Speakers included The Hon Kilemi Mwiria - Assistant Minister for Higher Education, Prof Okumu - the Dean of Students, Mr Joseph Kittakya - Head of Operations (Change Associates Initiative) and Mike Muikia - Initiatives of Change - Kenya.  

The Hon Kilemi asked the students and all present to discuss with each other how to correct bad governance, unemployment, crime and those wrongs that have previously led young people to become victims of violence. ‘It is important to realize that the society perceives university students as people of the right intellect and this is a challenge to you, to be bold enough to denounce bad leaders. Use your many numbers to enlist and inspire others positively for change and for the good of your future.’

KUSA leaders have been working tirelessly on promoting healthy relations between students of different ethnicities to ensure that are an example to the outside community. Mr Akoto, the President of KUSA, challenged the students to think beyond tribe to make lasting differences. ‘Wherever I go in this country I will remain committed to my stand. To support and vote for good character. Tribal policies and agendas will never create solutions but only divide people’, he said.

On the part of Initiatives of Change Kenya, Mike Muikia shared on how the youth can be empowered to shun violence and embrace diversity. He used the example of Frank Buchman – the initiator of Moral Re-Armament – now Initiatives of Change, and his struggle to overcome resentments, resulting in profound inspiration after making apologies to his enemies.

A short clip of Mahatma Gandhi addressing a crowd in India in 1929 on the need to use non-violence (Satyagraha, as it is known in India) also helped to bring out the essence of responding to these challenges creatively. The two examples helped to show the link between personal and global transformation; where individuals would find a purposeful way to help build trust between conflicting groups - starting with personal conflicts. 

Mr Joseph Kittakya from Central Kenya is a politician and an activist who is running a campaign against tribal alliances. Through their initiative Siasa Mpya (new politics) he believes that good character at a young age is a significant asset to the future of every country. He is working everyday to instil moral values and integrity in the young people of Central Province, as many young people in his region have had a history of selling their votes during elections period.

‘We look forward to have further forums to make this information reach as many university students in the country as possible.’ Mr Akoto concluded.

By Mike Muikia