Generational shift looms as youth battle old guard in 2027 race

As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general elections, a generational shift in leadership appears inevitable. In Baringo County and across other political strongholds, younger candidates are emerging to challenge the traditional dominance of veteran politicians.
The youthful aspirants, often in their late 20s and early 30s, are pitching fresh ideas and promising renewed energy to a population increasingly impatient with political stagnation.
At the forefront of this generational charge is 29-year-old Jane Kipng’etich, a former student leader and civic rights activist who is contesting for the Baringo West parliamentary seat.
“Baringo has been left behind,” Kipng’etich said during a campaign stop near the banks of Lake Bogoria. “My generation deserves opportunity and transformation. We can’t wait 30 more years for promises that never come.”
Her rallies have drawn significant crowds, particularly among young voters, many of whom chant “Tunataka Mabadiliko!”—Swahili for “We want change.”
A similar narrative is unfolding in Baringo North, where 32-year-old David Lomut, a former county official, is mounting a serious challenge to veteran legislator Eliud Kipkurui, 61. Lomut is focusing his platform on harnessing the region’s geothermal resources to boost local energy access and job creation. “Our land holds power, literal power,” he said. “It’s time we tapped it fully, for our youth and the future.”
Yet, not all are convinced. The older generation of leaders, often referred to as the “old guard,” is pushing back against what they see as youthful overconfidence.
Gen Z factor?
“The youth have enthusiasm,” Kipkurui said, “but do they know pothole sizes, budget lines, or county assembly procedures? This isn’t Twitter—it’s real life.”
This intergenerational tension is not confined to Baringo. From the coastal counties of Mombasa and Kilifi to the lakeside cities of Kisumu and Homabay, similar dynamics are playing out.
In Kisumu, 28-year-old Alice Omari is challenging a 15-year parliamentary veteran on a platform focused on climate change adaptation and agritech. In Mombasa, 30-year-old Ali Mwinyi is taking on a four-term incumbent, calling for equitable tourism revenue distribution and improved infrastructure.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), over 60% of Kenya’s registered voters are under the age of 35. If this demographic turns out in large numbers, the impact could reshape Kenya’s political map in ways unseen since the advent of multi-party democracy.
“What we’re witnessing is more than generational rhetoric; it’s the mathematics of our democracy,” said Faith Mburu, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.
“Youth turnout will define political futures. Old party associations no longer guarantee seats. Candidates must address genuine, immediate concerns.”
This shift has laid bare policy fault lines that separate the new aspirants from the veterans. Top of the list is employment and economic empowerment. Most youth candidates are promoting job creation through technology and entrepreneurship.
Kipng’etich, for instance, has proposed a “Baringo Innovation Hub” to host start-ups, tech mentorship, and mobile development labs. Clean governance is another focal point. Candidates like Lomut vow to adopt transparency tools such as open budgets and live-streamed public forums to curb corruption.
Climate resilience and resource management also feature prominently. Lomut wants to capitalise on geothermal energy in Eldama Ravine, while Omari in Kisumu is advocating for solar-powered fisheries and wetlands conservation.
Still, the road is fraught with obstacles. The nomination processes within major political parties continue to favour incumbents, locking out newer voices despite their popularity on the ground. Campaign financing also remains a key hurdle. Without longstanding networks or established donors, many youth aspirants are relying on small community fundraisers, digital crowdfunding, and social media advocacy.
Moreover, while younger voters are vocal, older constituents still make up a significant and loyal voting bloc. In Kabarnet, Grace Too, a 58-year-old tea kiosk owner, expressed cautious optimism.
“I like Jane’s energy. But can she deliver for us? Cheptumo has done projects, I can see,” she said. Meanwhile, Brian Muiruri, a 23-year-old university student, struck a more resolute tone: “I was born after independence. I want someone like me to speak for me. We need new voices, not the same old song.”
High-stakes contest
The stakes are high. While individual contests are fought locally, the broader implications speak to Kenya’s national identity and direction. Will the country continue to trust long-serving figures or make room for ambitious, tech-savvy, climate-conscious young leaders? Kenya’s 2010 Constitution encourages youth participation in governance, but party politics and deep-rooted patronage often block these aspirations from becoming reality.
Recently, a new youth-driven coalition, “NextGen Kenya,” launched its national coordination office, signalling a concerted effort to harness collective power ahead of 2027. Nancy Wanjiru, the group’s lead coordinator, outlined their approach.
“We won’t win every seat, but we can win the narrative. We want civic education, voter registration drives, and campaigns that hold all officeholders accountable.”
All eyes now turn to the upcoming party primaries, where the first real test will be faced. Who secures the tickets may well determine who shapes Kenya’s political destiny for the next decade.