There are Sensible Youths out There

Part of Inuka Njoro Youth Group with YALI ALUMNI-Nakuru

A section of Panelists

Delegates from Nakuru

Unruly, careless, sexually hypersensitive, unstable, unfocused and confused are perhaps just some of the adjectives that run in the mindset of many an old folk when asked to define who a youth is. This could explain why some cling on the wings of political power as they console the young aspirants thus: “You are the leaders of tomorrow.” Well the fact that much of the misconduct in the society is propagated by the youths can- not be gainsaid. 

However, what if the stereotype is locking up our ears and shuttering our sockets of vision to most young people who indeed have a sense of direction? What if those who err do so for lack of real mentors who are too busy amassing wealth in cartels? I am reminded of a verse by King Solomon in the Bible who said, “Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice…” Eccl 4:13.

It was a privilege attending Future of Food Conference 2018 organised by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). The invite was courtesy of OXYGENE company which is an event organizer. Are you curious about how a musician got into such an Agricultural based forum? This is how: One of my fans has been attending Art4Leadership events and discovered that despite the fact that I am a music creator, the discipline is just a tool through which I mentor youths. In other words, the concerts deal with various topics that are geared towards youths empowerment- employment and job creation.
 Secondly, I have been active in promoting agribusinesses for the larger part of this year through helping youths (majority of whom are famers) create blogs and make their work known to the world. So, if you just thought that a musician is just an empty shell or like a sounding gong for enticing the rest of the universe then I’m glad you are reading this. Some of us are deep.

Lenah Mwangi, the leader of Njoro Inuka Youth Group and an upcoming YALI Alumni (cohort 29) extended the invite which I could not give a second thought. I mean, food security is a universal matter. The event, graced by various dignitaries from the ministry of Agriculture and CEOs of renowned brands such as Mr. Vimar Shah of BIDCO Africa was very informative especially to me who is still green in matters Agroeconomics. Mr. Maina from the Transnational Bank sensitized the farmers to work from the market point of view as opposed to the farm-market traditional approach. This is the essence of design Driven Entrepreneurship, a course facilitated by YALI Network. Dr. Kalibata, the president of AGRA challenged the delegates not to stop at initiating; rather, consistency is key in everything one does.

There were quite a number of youths on the panelist table. I will mention two for the interest of your time. Ms. Marion Moon, the founder and MD of WANDA Agriculture stunned all of us with her eloquence and masteryof the topic : Women. Youth Enterprises in Corporate Supply Chain as Diverse of Agriculture-led Industrialization in Africa. Using her own story to highlight some of the challenges faced by women in the quest of attaining economic prowess, one could see that it is possible to rise against all odds. She finished her presentation with a challenge to all and sundry thus; “Do what you can, with what you have.” I quickly paraphrased this in my active brain; boy, you’ve got to start where you are.

In the same panel was Lenah Mwangi, the young vibrant leader I described above. She is a post graduate student at Egerton University pursuing Msc. Agribusiness. We would only marvel at the real success stories she narrated about her youth group. The team outsources knowledge from industry experts then disseminates it to the local farmer who would otherwise just remain in ignorance resulting in perennial poor yields. Indeed, a candle loses nothing by lighting another one. Lenah and her group are such examples of sensible youths.

Inuka Njoro Youth Group Officials: Lenah and Ciru

A midst the group was a representation of YALI Alumni Kenya, specifically, the Nakuru Chapter. It was an honor sharing this platform with my chapter chairlady, Ms. Oliver Jemuge. Her passion for entrepreneurship and youths empowerment can not be compared to anything. During our briefings with the team for the two nights, Oliver shared nuggets of wisdom in various aspects of youth leadership and general personal development. One thing that makes me hopeful about real change is interacting with youths of such calibre who use their own stories to impact change. “Guys, I have failed a number of times but that doesn’t deter me. Failure is part of the process,” she said.

Oliver Jemuge:
YALI Nakuru Chairlady

Was there music during the two days? Yes, why not? I never miss my guitar or violin, wherever I go. If worse comes to worst, thankfully, my vocals are always aligned for singing. The first night was more of catch up as some of us were total strangers. As a matter of fact, Lenah had just seen Oliver and I on the podium most of the times we facilitated events. We had never spoken in person. The following night, she asked for permission for me to use the instrument in the hotel. By the way, it is my nature to find out from the environment whether or not I am allowed to perform. Not everyone likes what you do. With the go a head, it was unbeknownst to me that the team couldn’t wait for the guitar music after our debrief. Lenah said; “Let us pray and then those who want to listen to music can remain.” The response was unanimous. Prayers would be made after the musical. This was warm. I felt honoured. That is when I realized that the song Mimi na Wewe was gaining populace. If you have been following you will recall the post “THIS IS AFRICA” which I put up a few days after composing it. My friends and I sang our hearts out upto around midnight.

During the conference, the interlude sections were lubricated by a great jazz collection by the DJs. To say that the event was pure bliss is an understatement. Isn’t it a wonder how youths come together in a short-while and just bond, doing things like they were siblings in a world before this? Our journey back to Nakuru made me experience déjà vu. I became nostalgic of one Christian Union trip from Lubinu High to Namirama Girls School (about 10 years ago) as well as an Evangelistic tour to Garsen, the coastal region of Kenya. I remember us singing on the way. 

The difference however was that in the previous expeditions I was with a group of People we often worked together. Yesterday, I was with friends from diverse denominations, majority of whom are Catholic. I continually learn that when Jesus talked of praises being in the mouth of babes, he did not mention any religion, leave a lone denominations.
My Beautifier by Chris Shalom was one of our praise tune. Check the video below.

Next time you think about a youth, remember this post. There are sensible young people out there!

The writer is the founder of Dowe Music & Arts 

and the frontier of Art4Leadership