As Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, Kiganjo Mathari Ward in Nyeri County is becoming a focal point for a quiet but powerful revolution.
At the heart of this transformation is Gakuru Junior, a visionary leader determined to bring the Gen Z generation directly into leadership, development, and decision-making processes.
Unlike traditional politicians who appeal to youth only during campaigns, Gakuru Junior is committed to empowering Gen Z beyond the election—by equipping them with tools, opportunities, and leadership platforms that will last long after the ballots are counted.
This article explores the 10 best ways Gakuru Junior plans to uplift and empower Gen Z in Kiganjo Mathari Ward leadership and governance once elected.
How Gakuru Junior Plans To Empower Gen Z In Kiganjo Mathari Ward Leadership After Election
1. Establishment of a Ward Youth Leadership Council
Immediately after taking office, Gakuru Junior plans to form a Ward Youth Leadership Council (WYLC) comprised of elected Gen Z representatives from all sub-locations in Kiganjo Mathari.
Key roles of the WYLC:
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Advising the MCA on youth matters
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Participating in project planning and development budgeting
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Coordinating youth community service and innovation initiatives
This platform will provide Gen Z with direct influence over ward policies and development priorities—giving them a real voice in government.
2. Digital Governance Access for Youth
Gakuru Junior recognizes the digital fluency of Gen Z and plans to leverage technology to create inclusive digital platforms that engage youth in governance.
His strategy includes:
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A mobile app with ward updates, job alerts, and bursary information
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A youth-only suggestion portal for development ideas
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Livestreamed ward meetings and digital Q&A forums
This ensures that tech-savvy youth can participate in governance without needing to attend physical meetings—removing barriers and boosting civic engagement.
3. Prioritized Employment in Community Projects
Gakuru Junior intends to reserve at least 40% of casual and technical opportunities in community projects for youth from Kiganjo Mathari.
This includes:
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Road maintenance and drainage works
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Landscaping and environmental cleanups
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ICT and digital documentation of ward progress
By doing this, he will inject cash into youth households, reduce unemployment, and promote a skills-based, inclusive development model.
4. Youth Bursary Committee Representation
One of the most mismanaged systems in many wards is the bursary allocation process. Gakuru Junior wants to fix this by ensuring youth are part of the solution.
What he plans:
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Youth will occupy 30% of bursary vetting committee seats
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Transparent bursary lists will be published digitally
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Every sub-location youth rep will vet applications to promote fairness
This gives young people control and responsibility, teaching leadership through real-life resource management.
5. Launching a Kiganjo Mathari Gen Z Leadership Bootcamp
To create a pipeline of future leaders, Gakuru Junior will organize an annual Gen Z Leadership Bootcamp.
Participants will be selected competitively from across the ward and trained in:
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Civic education and public service
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Digital governance and policy-making
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Community organizing and resource mobilization
The best-performing bootcamp participants will be attached to ward projects and given leadership assignments, preparing them for bigger responsibilities.
6. Empowering Youth SACCOs and CBOs
Gakuru Junior aims to financially and technically empower youth groups, SACCOs, and community-based organizations.
This will include:
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Support in registering and formalizing groups
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Linking youth groups to county government procurement contracts
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Facilitating access to start-up capital from youth-focused funds
His administration will train Gen Z on proposal writing, financial literacy, and tendering—unlocking economic leadership in the development sector.
7. ICT and Innovation Hubs Managed by Gen Z
Kiganjo Mathari will soon boast modern ICT hubs and innovation centers, thanks to Gakuru Junior’s vision.
Each hub will offer:
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Free computer access and internet
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Coding, design, and marketing workshops
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Support for digital entrepreneurship and freelancing
Importantly, these centers will be managed by young people trained in IT, creating leadership and employment opportunities in one move.
8. Gen Z-Led Environmental & Climate Action Teams
Gakuru Junior has committed to creating Youth Climate Action Teams that will lead:
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Tree planting drives
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Environmental awareness campaigns
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Clean-up and waste segregation programs
These teams will receive environmental education and funding support to launch ward-wide sustainability projects.
By putting youth at the forefront of climate action, Gakuru Junior ensures their energy, creativity, and passion fuel meaningful change.
9. Community-Based Internship and Apprenticeship Programs
To bridge the gap between education and employment, Gakuru Junior will initiate a Ward Internship & Apprenticeship Program for recent graduates and vocational trainees.
Youth will intern in:
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The MCA’s office
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Local development committees
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Partnered private businesses and institutions
This program will be coordinated with local schools, polytechnics, and churches to ensure youth are mentored into leadership roles, not just trained.
10. Youth-Centric Public Participation Framework
Most youth don’t attend public participation forums because they feel ignored. Gakuru Junior will change that by designing a Youth-Centric Participation Framework.
This includes:
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Separate youth meetings before major public forums
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Youth-only online surveys to capture youth opinions
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Assigning youth moderators in major barazas to collect youth questions
All major ward decisions—budgeting, projects, planning—will actively include Gen Z voices, not just in theory but in practice.
How Gakuru Junior Plans To Empower Gen Z (FAQs)
1. Why is Gakuru Junior focused on Gen Z?
Because Gen Z forms the largest demographic in Kiganjo Mathari, and he believes sustainable development must include them in leadership roles.
2. How will youth be selected to participate in leadership councils or bootcamps?
Through transparent, merit-based selections involving local churches, schools, and youth groups.
3. Will there be digital tools for youth to engage with leadership?
Yes, including a ward mobile app, suggestion portal, livestreamed meetings, and WhatsApp alerts.
4. How does Gakuru Junior plan to support youth businesses?
By facilitating access to youth funds, offering training, and linking SACCOs to public contracts and tenders.
5. Will there be mentorship opportunities?
Yes. Through internships, leadership bootcamps, and shadowing programs within the ward administration.
6. Are youth expected to volunteer or will they be paid?
A balance of voluntary and paid opportunities will exist, depending on the nature of the role or project.
7. Will Gen Z be given responsibility over ward funds?
Yes, especially through bursary committees and youth council input in budgeting—under strict accountability systems.
Conclusion
Gakuru Junior is not promising Gen Z leadership tomorrow—he’s delivering it today. His 10-point plan shows that true empowerment goes beyond speeches. It involves creating platforms, funding, and frameworks where Gen Z can lead, earn, and serve their community.
If implemented, his strategies will make Kiganjo Mathari a national example of inclusive, youth-driven governance.
This is more than a political pledge. It is a revolution in how power is shared, decisions are made, and communities are built—from the ground up and led by the next generation.
Support the movement. Join the vision.
#GakuruJunior2027 | #GenZLeadership | #KiganjoMathariNiYetu | #YouthInPower