•Fauzia Jibril, a Nominated MCA from Isiolo Sparked Debate on Youth Leadership and Accountability in Governance at the 5th Legislative Summit Pre-Summit
The 5th Legislative Summit 2025 Pre-Summit Conference on Youth Engagement in Governance, held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, ignited critical discussions on the future of youth leadership in Kenya.
Among the prominent voices shaping the discourse was Fauzia Jibril, a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) representing Isiolo under the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party, which holds the majority in the County Assembly.
Jibril, a dedicated youth representative, took center stage as a key speaker, challenging conventional governance structures and advocating for stronger youth involvement in decision-making processes.
Her address underscored the necessity of accountability, strategic leadership, and inclusive governance in ensuring that young politicians not only occupy positions of power but also wield real influence in shaping policies.
Beyond Nomination: The Youth’s Journey to Political Power
A major theme of the summit was the transition of young leaders from nomination to elective office and ultimately to positions of higher political authority.
Jibril stressed that while youth nominations provide an entry point into governance, they must not be treated as mere political tokens but as opportunities to effectively contribute to legislative processes.
“The journey from nomination to elected office is often filled with financial, structural, and cultural challenges.” Jibril explained.
“It is not enough to have young people in political spaces; we must equip them with the skills, mentorship, and networks necessary to transform governance,” She asserted during her address.
She further emphasized that youth empowerment should not be reduced to political symbolism—real change requires ensuring that young leaders have the authority, resources, and institutional backing to push for progressive policies.
Shifting the Narrative: From Representation to Influence
The afternoon session of the pre-summit focused on how youth engagement in governance should move beyond representation and into substantive legislative influence.
Participants highlighted the urgent need to institutionalize youth leadership, ensuring that young politicians do not become passive followers of party agendas but instead serve as active architects of transformative policies.
Jibril’s contributions to the discussion were bold and pragmatic, reinforcing the notion that youth participation in governance must be about impact, not just inclusion. She called for:
- Stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure young leaders are not sidelined in political decision-making.
- Investment in youth leadership development, including political education, mentorship, and financial support for aspiring young politicians.
- A shift from tokenism to real power, where youth legislators actively shape budget allocations, policy formulation, and governance structures.
Her remarks sparked a wider debate on how Kenya’s leadership structures can integrate youth voices not as accessories, but as core decision-makers in national and county governance.
A Call to Action: Youth Leadership as a Governance Imperative
As the pre-summit wrapped up, a resounding call to action emerged: Kenya’s young leaders must move beyond advocacy and step into the arena of political power, armed with knowledge, resilience, and strategic vision.
Jibril’s role at the event reaffirmed her rising influence as a transformative leader within Kenya’s governance landscape.
Her advocacy challenges the status quo, demanding that youth leaders be treated as credible agents of change rather than as political placeholders.
As the country gears up for the full 5th Legislative Summit 2025, one message is clear—youth leadership is not just about the future; it is about the present. The time for action is now.
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