Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for a comprehensive review of democracy and governance institutions to better align them with the 21st century, particularly focusing on youth empowerment.
Speaking at the renowned Bloomberg CityLab 2024 in Mexico City, where he was invited by the Aspen Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies, Governor Sakaja addressed prominent urban leaders and thinkers. He urged institutional reforms, noting that many democratic structures were designed in the 19th century and still operate on outdated frameworks.
“It’s time to reimagine our institutions to reflect the tools and perspectives of today’s world. By doing so, we can engage young people more effectively and address the challenges they face,” Sakaja said.
The governor highlighted reforms in Nairobi as a model for empowering youth. “In Nairobi, I legalized photography and content creation in public spaces—previously prohibited. This has created thousands of jobs for young content creators, showcasing how urban policy can unlock youth potential,” Sakaja explained.
His message resonated with the global audience, emphasizing the urgent need for governance structures to adapt to technological advances and youth expectations.
CityLab 2024, following the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Summit, brings together leading urban thinkers to tackle pressing global issues such as climate change, migration, and automation, while exploring strategies to empower cities.
Past speakers have included U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and mayors from major cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Mexico City.
