Diaspora Youth Urge Kenya to Embrace Inclusive, Issue-Based Politics

A growing number of young Kenyans living abroad are calling for a fundamental shift in the country’s political culture, urging an end to tribal-based politics and the adoption of leadership grounded in merit and integrity. 

The movement, led by the Diaspora Youth Network, reflects increasing frustration among expatriate youth over the persistent role of ethnicity in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. Speaking from Canada, youth leader Dismas Kibungei Kogo describes ethnic bloc voting as a longstanding obstacle to national unity and progress. 

“The era of ethnic mobilisation is over,” said Kogo. “Our generation is ready to rise above tribal lines. Kenya has the potential to thrive, but this will require courage and unwavering integrity in leadership.”

The Diaspora Youth Network has quickly become a key platform for civic engagement among young Kenyans living overseas. In addition to offering mentorship and community support, the organisation aims to influence national conversations on governance, youth empowerment, and national identity.

Kenya’s ethnic diversity, encompassing more than 40 communities, is widely seen as a source of cultural richness and national pride. From international sporting achievements to global entrepreneurship, the Kenyan diaspora demonstrates the country’s capacity for unity and excellence. However, back home, this diversity is often manipulated for political gain.

Elections in Kenya have frequently been marked by ethnic polarisation, with politicians accused of leveraging communal loyalties to secure votes. This pattern has deepened social divisions and, in some cases, contributed to violence and unrest. For many young Kenyans living abroad, particularly in multicultural societies where merit often outweighs identity, these tactics appear outdated and harmful.

“Outside Kenya, we live, work, and study together as Kenyans, not as members of tribes,” Kogo said. “We believe this same unity is possible within the country.”

The diaspora plays an increasingly important role in Kenya’s economy, with remittances ranking among the country’s top sources of foreign income. The influence of young professionals and students spread across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia positions the diaspora as a potentially powerful force in reshaping Kenya’s political future.