PLP leader Martha Karua has reflected on her first arrival in Nairobi, using a photograph from her younger years to encourage Kenyan youth to remain determined and take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
Karua shared the photograph on Tuesday, August 11, recalling the excitement she felt when she first arrived in the capital as a young woman with hopes of building a better future.
She described Nairobi at the time as a “city of opportunity”, where young people could arrive with little more than determination and believe that hard work and courage could help them establish themselves.
“Much has changed since then, but young people still come to our cities carrying big dreams and the determination to make something of their lives,” Karua said.
The former presidential candidate then turned her message to Kenya’s younger generation, describing them as one of the country’s greatest assets.
She highlighted their achievements in sports, music, culture, technology and entrepreneurship, noting that many young Kenyans have succeeded despite limited opportunities and difficult economic conditions.
According to Karua, Kenyan youth have also demonstrated resilience by finding innovative ways to earn a living amid rising economic pressures.
“You have carried our flag in sport, taken our music and culture to the world, built businesses, created technology, entertained us and found ingenious ways to make a living in a harsh economy,” she said.
Karua further pointed to the size and educational background of Kenya’s youth population, arguing that their numbers, knowledge and creativity give them significant influence over the country’s direction.
She urged young people not to underestimate their ability to demand change or participate in decisions affecting their future.
“You have the knowledge, creativity and numbers to shape the direction of this country, do not let anyone convince you otherwise,” Karua said.
Her remarks come as Kenyan youth continue to grapple with unemployment, the high cost of living, limited economic opportunities and concerns over governance.
Karua maintained that the aspirations of young Kenyans should remain central to efforts to build the country, urging them to remain firm in pursuing their vision.
“The Kenya you want is not a dream too big. It is a country we can build with your generation at the centre of it. Stand strong!” she said.