NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for greater respect and mutual understanding between generations, urging Kenya’s youth to remain open to mentorship and life lessons that go beyond the classroom.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Kindiki emphasized that while formal education remains essential, it cannot substitute the wisdom gained through lived experience.
“There are things you may not learn in any college but only in the school of life,” he said.
Kindiki’s remarks came during a reflective moment in the national event, where he praised the organizers and encouraged a spirit of unity, forgiveness, and humility—both among leaders and across generational lines.
“Respect Goes Both Ways”
Addressing young people directly, the Deputy President urged them to respect authority and embrace guidance from elders.
But he was equally candid about the responsibilities of adults, emphasizing that mentorship must be rooted in mutual respect.
“We need to treat our children respectfully, and when we go wrong, it is not wrong to speak to it,” Kindiki said. “Adults must also be willing to apologize.”
He added that respect for elders shouldn’t be conditional on perfection, but rather on the understanding that age brings unique perspectives and lessons.
The Role of Self-Reflection
In a philosophical turn, Kindiki cited the Greek thinker Socrates, invoking the idea that “an unexamined life is not worth living” to underscore the importance of introspection at both personal and national levels.
“We need to examine ourselves and see whether we’re doing things right,” he told the gathering, which included lawmakers, clergy, diplomats, and civil society leaders.
His comments come at a time of visible generational tension in Kenya’s political and cultural discourse, with young people increasingly vocal about unemployment, governance, and their place in the national conversation.
Context: Youth Discontent and National Dialogue
Kindiki’s call for respectful engagement echoes recent comments by other leaders, including Nairobi Senator Beatrice Elachi, who recently lamented that Kenyan youth feel “helpless” and overly influenced by “the spirit of social media.”
As frustrations simmer, President William Ruto has also made overtures toward healing and reconciliation, most recently asking neighboring countries to forgive Kenya if it had “wronged” them diplomatically.
A Moment of Unity
The National Prayer Breakfast has often served as a symbolic pause in Kenya’s political calendar, offering a platform for bipartisan reflection.
Kindiki’s message sought to channel that spirit into actionable change—starting with how generations speak to, and about, each other.
“Respect is not submission—it is recognition,” Kindiki said. “Recognition that every generation has something to offer, and something to learn.”
