Protesters march along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi to mark the Gen-Z protests on June 25th 2025.
The umbrella body of churches has urged Gen Zs to register as voters to effect the change in leadership they desire in the next General Election.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) vice chairman, Josephat Kalume, said the voice of young people will only count if they register as voters.
Speaking during a Gen-Z advocacy, dialogue, and mediation session at the Full Gospel Church in Kilifi town, Reverend Canon Kalume of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) led other officials in declaring that it was about time the church stood with the youth in addressing their concerns.
NCCK Woman Representative Joyce Chigogo encouraged the youth to actively defend their rights and pursue leadership roles to secure their future.
Ms Chigogo said the youth should not allow themselves to be used by politicians for petty handouts, but rather understand the Constitution, strive for leadership positions, and elect responsible leaders.
“Many youths are not registered voters, but I challenge them to register in masses if they really want to change this country,” she said.
Protesters picket along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on June 25, 2025 during the commemoration of the 2024 Gen-Z protests.
NCCK Youth Representative Lutein Kennedy Wambua of the Salvation Army Church stated that Gen Z would not tire of pushing for good governance and accountability.
He urged the youth to apply for a National Identity card and register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The issues of Gen Z in the country have been the centre of attraction and concern over the past few years, and the church has a duty to engage them, understand the genesis of their agitations, and support them,” Rev Kalume said.
Mr Kalume added that, just like other Kenyans, the youth have a right to lead the country in different positions.
The council also faulted the government for failing to properly implement the social health scheme, free education, and security measures.
Rev Kalume noted that it was unfortunate that school heads were contemplating closing schools due to delays by the government in releasing capitation funds.
He said the government had the entire August holiday to engage with schools to gather the necessary reports about learners to facilitate smooth operations.
“This is an issue that is worrying parents, and we as leaders call upon the government to play its part responsibly.
“It is the government that directed all children to go to school, but it is saddening that parents have heeded the call only to be failed by the same government,” he added.
He also faulted the government for frustrating teachers.
Protesters picket along Kimathi Street in Nairobi on June 25th 2025 during the commemoration of the 2024 Gen-Z protests.
“Principals are at a crossroads; everything is crippled and they do not know what to do next,” he said. Rev Kalume noted that Kenyans were still struggling to access universal health care.
On the other hand, the youth faulted the church for failing to support them in their quest for leadership.
Ms Gladys Maina, a youth from the Kenya Assembly of God (KAG) Church in Maweni, said that for a long time, the church had abandoned the youth.
“We want the church to listen to us, to have more dialogues with the youth, and to help stop the Gen Z protests,” she said.
Mr Hosea Elijah, another youth, said the government should listen to Gen Z and address their grievances.
“We have been discriminated against by the government, and technology has helped us access first-hand information. When we realise that something is not right, we will speak,” said Mr Elijah.
Reverend Benson Maingi of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) said Gen Z is a prophetic voice that the church and the government have refused to hear.
According to Mr Maingi, both the government and the church have failed the youth.
