By Damaris Muchika
A former student of St. Peter’s Girls Mwiruti in Bungoma County, Mitchelle Anyonje, who attained a B+ in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and aspires to become a medical doctor, has expressed strong views on Kenya’s governance, unemployment, and the future of the youth.
Speaking during an interview with our journalist, Mitchelle said she believes Kenya has the potential to become a more united and supportive country, but only if the government becomes more attentive to the concerns of young people. She noted that many youths feel ignored despite repeatedly raising issues affecting their daily lives.
According to her, it is discouraging to see political leaders continue making promises while many citizens remain unemployed or underemployed. She questioned whether government policies are truly addressing the needs of ordinary Kenyans, especially young graduates who are struggling to secure meaningful jobs.
Mitchelle further criticized situations where highly trained professionals, including doctors and other graduates, are reportedly engaged in manual labour work under government initiatives such as affordable housing projects. She said that while job creation is important, it is disappointing when such programmes do not utilize people’s skills and education effectively.
She also expressed concern over the increasing number of young Kenyans who are leaving the country in search of employment opportunities abroad. She warned that many of them face difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions as they attempt to escape unemployment at home.
In addition, Mitchelle highlighted social and political challenges affecting the youth, including tribalism, corruption, and poor governance. She argued that these issues have contributed to frustration among young people, pushing some into depression and even suicide due to financial pressure and unmet expectations.
“The situation is becoming unbearable for many youths,” she said. “Some parents cannot meet the expectations placed on them, and this has created emotional and mental pressure that is affecting young people deeply.”
Despite these challenges, Mitchelle remains optimistic about the role of the youth in shaping Kenya’s future. She believes that young people have the energy, education, and innovation required to transform the country if given the opportunity to lead.
She called on her fellow youths to take an active role in leadership by acquiring national identity cards and registering as voters. She emphasized that political change can only happen when young people participate fully in democratic processes.
“We need fresh leadership and new ideas,” she said. “We cannot keep recycling the same leaders who have been in power for decades. A strong house cannot be built using old materials.”
Mitchelle concluded by urging the government to listen more closely to the voices of young people and implement policies that create meaningful employment and empower the next generation.
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