Former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged young Africans to reject the label of “leaders of tomorrow” and seize power now, warning that waiting risks perpetual delay in shaping the continent’s future.
Speaking at the IGAD Leadership Academy annual alumni conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenyatta told hundreds of delegates that the promised tomorrow may never arrive. “If you continue believing you are the leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come,” he declared.
“You are the leaders of today. Your ideas, your courage, your personal commitment will shape the future of Africa.”
The event, themed Harnessing youth leadership to drive Africa’s growth and held at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, brought together alumni, diplomats and regional figures to celebrate emerging ethical leadership in the Horn of Africa.
Kenyatta highlighted historical examples, noting that Kenyan independence pioneers like Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba made significant impacts in their twenties. He praised contemporary youth initiatives on social and humanitarian issues, describing the gathering as evidence that Africa’s renewal is underway through unity and action.
IGAD executive secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu echoed the call, stressing investment in young minds for lasting peace and cooperation. He argued regional challenges stem from human choices, not fate, and urged equipping the next generation for better decisions through cross-border networks.
Nominated senator Crystal Asige encouraged delegates to pursue excellence with humility, purpose and spiritual grounding, insisting true leadership demands depth beyond superficial ambition.
Other contributors included Finland’s ambassador Riina-Riikka Heikka and Japan’s deputy chief of mission Tomonobu Hori, underscoring international support for youth empowerment in the region.
