NAIROBI, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged young Africans to seize leadership opportunities immediately, cautioning that those who wait for the future to offer them responsibility risk missing their chance.
Uhuru reminded attendees at the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) Annual Alumni Conference at the Windsor Hotel in Nairobi that the idea of “leaders of tomorrow” is deceptive and urged young people to take decisive action in determining Africa’s future.
“That tomorrow will never come if you keep thinking you are the leaders of tomorrow,” he declared. “You are the current generation’s leaders. Africa’s future will be shaped by your ideas, bravery, and dedication,” he said.
The former Head of State reminded the young audience that Kenya’s early leaders, including Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba, began shaping the nation in their twenties, proving that youth is not a barrier to impact.
The conference, themed ‘Harnessing youth leadership to drive Africa’s growth’, brought together alumni of the IGAD Leadership Academy, members of the diplomatic corps, and regional leaders, including IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Senator Crystal Asige, among other dignitaries, in celebration of a new generation of ethical, collaborative African leadership.
In his keynote address, Uhuru applauded young people across the region who are taking initiative on social and humanitarian issues, saying their unity proves Africa’s renewal has already begun. He described the gathering as “a movement of young leaders committed to transforming the continent.”
What did IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu say at the event
In his speech, Dr. Workneh stressed the value of investing in young leaders as the cornerstone of enduring peace and regional cohesion. He pointed out that human decisions, not fate, are to blame for the Horn of Africa’s problems and that the next generation needs to be prepared to make better decisions.
Speaking fervently about the ILA’s mission, he stated that it sought to unite bright young people to share knowledge and create cross-border networks. Dr. Workneh stated, “We must first cultivate the minds of the youth if we are to achieve real regional cooperation.” “The future of our region depends on how well they learn to work together today, as their destinies are intertwined.”
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige challenged the young leaders to approach leadership with depth, purpose, and spiritual grounding.
Asige, an Award-Winning Musician, Disability Champion, artivist and visually impaired person, encouraged the youth to pursue excellence so remarkable that it cannot be ignored, reminding them that true success begins with humility and hard work.
Other speakers at the event included Riina-Riikka Heikka, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, and Tomonobu Hori, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan-Kenya.
Discussion about this post