Even though it is said that not everything that glitters is good, Political Ringside has so far been allowed to be the gold itself.
The platform has positioned itself as one of the spaces where real political conversations take place, bringing leaders and citizens together to unpack issues shaping Kenya’s political direction.
In its latest episode, the programme hosted a candid interview with Chibeka Matara, the Chairperson of the KANU Youth Congress. The discussion was moderated by Fridah Mong’are.
During the interview, Matara spoke openly about the place of young people within political parties and the challenges youth leagues face when it comes to influencing major political decisions.
She confirmed that Kenya African National Union remains formally part of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, noting that the arrangement is based on agreements that were ratified by party leadership.
Youth voices in party politics
Speaking during the Political Ringside interview, Matara explained that KANU has a wide youth leadership structure that begins at polling station level and extends through sub county and county branches up to the national office.
However, she admitted that in many political parties across the country, major political arrangements are often negotiated by senior party officials while youth wings are expected to support decisions that have already been made.
According to Matara, many youth leagues in political parties exist mainly to fulfil constitutional requirements on youth inclusion.
She noted that this has historically limited the influence young people have in shaping party strategies and national political agreements.
Youth awakening in politics
Despite the challenges, Matara told Political Ringside that the past two years have witnessed a noticeable awakening among young people in Kenya.
She said many young citizens are now realising that politics directly affects their daily lives, from employment opportunities to the cost of living.
Matara added that KANU has made attempts to include youth representatives in key decision making organs such as the National Executive Council, the National Governing Council and the National Delegates Conference.
Even so, she admitted that youth leaders were not consulted during a recent coalition arrangement that brought the party back into the national political spotlight.
The Political Ringside interview also explored why many young people appear active during election periods but withdraw after the vote.
Matara urged young citizens to remain engaged throughout the political cycle, saying sustained participation is what will eventually shape leadership and governance in the country.
