In a rare public appearance, Muhoho Kenyatta, a prominent Kenyan businessman and brother to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, delivered a compelling message to Africa’s youth. Speaking at the Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Award Africa Regional Conference in Mombasa on May 6, 2025, Muhoho emphasized the urgent need for young Africans to assume leadership roles and drive transformative change across the continent.
Addressing a gathering of regional leaders, policymakers, and youth advocates, Muhoho highlighted the paradox of Africa’s youthful demographic. He noted that while the continent’s youth population is projected to reach 830 million by 2050, this demographic remains largely untapped due to rigid and outdated systems that hinder their participation in governance and development.
“Africa’s youth population is projected to reach 830 million by 2050,” he stated. “Yet this demographic remains largely untapped and constrained by systems that were not designed for the scale and speed of the change we now face.”
Muhoho, who serves as a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Foundation, called for a reorientation in the continent’s leadership approach. He stressed that Africa stands at a crucial crossroads, and its trajectory will be determined by how well it prepares for future challenges and opportunities.
“Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. Our continent’s trajectory will be determined by how well we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow,” he added.
The conference also featured remarks from Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economies, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, who encouraged youth to harness digital tools positively and warned against the misuse of social media.
“You will only benefit from technology when you become positively creative, not when you misuse online platforms,” said Mvurya.
This event follows recent remarks by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who urged Kenya’s Generation Z to actively defend their rights and shape the nation’s future.
Speaking at a funeral in January 2025, Uhuru emphasized the importance of youth participation in societal affairs and encouraged his daughter, Ngina Kenyatta, to stand firm against any attempts to undermine their hard-earned achievements.
