A youth’s enemy are his or fellow youths, this is according to Hamid Mbarak, a director at the Coast Water Works Development Agency.

Speaking during the UDA Comrades Chapter in Mombasa, Mbarak recounted the tribulations he went through when he vied for Kisauni Constituency MP seat in 2022, and how despite being a young leader, the young people were at the forefront, opposing his parliamentary bid.

Mbarak urged the university and college students convened at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) to be supportive of their comrades whenever they express an interest in elective posts, as this is the only way the youth can empower themselves in leadership positions.

Mbarak, who vied on a UDA Party ticket, came second after garnering about 13,000 votes, in a constituency dominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.

UDA Comrades Chapter

Launched on September 20, 2024, the chapter seeks to establish a robust social-political hustler movement to empower and mobilise youth across the country.

According to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, the initiative is designed to create a dynamic platform for students and young professionals to engage in political discourse, advocate for socio-economic development, and understand government policies, programs, and projects.

UDA Comrades Chapter is also geared towards creating a platform where university and college students can engage directly with the ruling political party, allowing them to share their concerns, ideas, and aspirations.

“This program aims to foster a more inclusive and participatory political approach, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued,” a circular from the UDA’s Programs Department says. “Our primary Target Audience is University/College students across the country. The party’s motivation to form this youth-led entity stems from an understanding that Kenyan comrade youths face various interconnected challenges that significantly impact their well-being and prospects.”

the Kenya Kwanza Government acknowledges that issues that today remain a thorn in the flesh of Kenyan youths include; high unemployment rates, lack of school fees, political disengagement, digital divide, and cultural expectations among others.

“During the launch, we have invited students across Universities and colleges in Kenya to attend and after the launch, we have segmented Kenya into 10 regions where the party shall cascade the debate on issues targeting comrades through town hall meetings,” the party says.