Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has bragged about his early entry into leadership, stating that he became a Cabinet Minister at 28 and later served as Minister for Finance at 33.
Speaking during a fundraising dinner by the A-Kili Foundation in Nairobi on July 25, he used this personal milestone to advocate for increased youth inclusion in governance.
Mudavadi called for a national shift in how the country approaches youth empowerment.
“I became a Cabinet Minister at 28, and Minister for Finance at 33. I think I can exercise some bragging rights,” said Mudavadi.
“I was at the centre of opening and liberalising the economy of this country. Many benefits we enjoy today, including services like Safaricom, stemmed from those reforms,” he added.
Mudavadi addresses youth empowerment
He emphasised intellectual investment as the most sustainable approach to building Kenya’s future.
Mudavadi noted that people aged 35 and below make up over 75 per cent of the population, about 35 million citizens.
At the sime, Mudavadi who also Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister urged leaders to move away from tokenism and instead involve the youth in meaningful policy decisions.
“We, the politicians, are the biggest culprits. We have been talking down to young people instead of engaging them in meaningful conversations,” he said.
Also Read: Mudavadi Lists 5 Reasons Why Ruto’s 2027 Win Is a Done Deal
He also cited historical figures, including William Pitt, who became UK Prime Minister at 24, and Jesus Christ, who lived and ministered before the age of 33, to demonstrate the potential of youth leadership.
The Brain Settlement Scheme Concept
To illustrate sustainable empowerment, Mudavadi recalled a concept he encountered in his youth known as the Brain Settlement Scheme (BSS), which he said focused on nurturing intellectual effort as a long-term solution to challenges like unemployment and land scarcity.
“If you fail to plough, you cannot blame the hoe. That’s what A-Kili Foundation is doing, empowering youth to till their minds,” he said.
He warned against the misuse of digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence to mislead youth and called for the protection of Kenya’s constitutional governance.
“The predictability of civilian governments through regular elections is democracy’s strength. Let’s strengthen our institutions instead of abandoning them,” he said.
Also Read: Musalia Mudavadi Profile: Education Background, Family, Career and Politics
Mudavadi commended the A-Kili Foundation, led by Dr. Hosea Kili, for reaching over 5,000 youth since 2011 through mentorship, digital training, and leadership development.
About the A-Kili Foundation
A-Kili Foundation walks alongside individuals battling substance use disorder, offering more than just rehabilitation.
On July 24th, they hosted a fundraising dinner.
They equip them with life skills, vocational training, counselling, and above all, hope and purpose.
Since 2010, the foundation has dealt with rehabilitation and community empowerment.
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