DNA, KIKAO Forge Historic Alliance to Elevate Youth Leadership Ahead of 2027
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has sealed a strategic partnership with the KIKAO Youth Movement, a bold political integration expected to revolutionize youth leadership and participation in Kenya.
The alliance was announced by DNA Party Leader Hon. Godfrey Kanoti during a press briefing in Nairobi, marking the formation of the DNA Youth Movement a platform rooted in KIKAO’s expansive grassroots presence across 40 counties.
Describing the merger as a “revolutionary moment,” Hon. Kanoti emphasized the need for urgent youth empowerment. “Kenya’s youth are no longer knocking on doors. You are opening your own,” he declared, reaffirming the party’s commitment to offering more than symbolic representation.
Hon. Kanoti also addressed the harsh realities facing young Kenyans, noting that over 35 percent remain unemployed, while many others are trapped in informal and insecure work. He strongly condemned recent acts of violence against youth activists, describing them as part of a broader existential crisis. “This is no longer just about exclusion it is about survival,” he warned.
Kanoti praised KIKAO’s deep community roots, positioning the movement as a vital engine for the party’s 2027 strategy. “KIKAO has muscle and momentum. By integrating it into DNA, we are supercharging our youth engine,” he said.
Rejecting tokenism, he assured young people of meaningful participation. “You are not here for photo ops. You are here for real power,” he declared, urging Gen Z and Millennials to take charge. “2027 will be the Youth Tsunami. The time for frustration is over. The time for power is now.”
KIKAO Chairperson Bright Shitemi echoed the call for transformative leadership, stating, “This is a continuation of the resolve by young people who rejected corruption, poor governance, and democratic decay. We are injecting bold, fresh leadership into our politics.”
To solidify the union, key KIKAO leaders have been appointed to senior positions within DNA. These include Chepkoech Towett as Deputy Party Leader and Bright Shitemi as Deputy National Chairperson. Others are Stanley Muchiri (Public Policy), James Okumu (Political Affairs), Eugene Ochieng (Mobilization), and Jagero Oduor (Publicity).
The DNA Youth Movement is expected to focus on political education, mentorship, and leadership development ahead of the next general election.
By Sharon Atieno
