Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) made history on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, as it hosted the second edition of the Transgenerational Conversations forum at KeMU Towers, Nairobi Campus. Organized by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), this groundbreaking event brought together voices from across generations to engage in meaningful dialogue about Kenya’s trajectory.
A Response to Generational Tensions
The forum emerged as a timely response to the Gen Z-led protests that have shaped Kenya’s political landscape over the past two years. Rather than dismissing youthful activism, the NCIC recognized the need to channel this energy into constructive dialogue – creating a platform where righteous anger transforms into purposeful action.
“At different times different generations have discovered their mission. Some have fulfilled it, some have betrayed it. I would like to believe that the current generations will fulfill theirs,” declared Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, NCIC Chairman and keynote speaker, setting the tone for a day of honest reflection and forward-thinking discourse.
Three Critical Conversations
The event unfolded through three carefully structured panels, each addressing fundamental questions about Kenya’s future:
- Morning Panel: Kenya’s Story Across Generations Exploring lessons from history to present, this session examined how different eras have shaped contemporary Kenya, providing crucial context for current challenges. 🎥 Watch Panel 1
- Afternoon Panel: Turning Diversity into Unity Participants tackled one of Kenya’s most persistent challenges – how to transform ethnic, generational, and ideological diversity from a source of division into a foundation for national strength. 🎥 Watch Panel 2
- Evening Panel (Broadcast on KBC Channel 1) The day culminated with a televised discussion on governance, political accountability, and the quest for better leadership in Kenya. 🎥 Watch Panel 3
Voices from the Dialogue
The conversations revealed profound insights from leaders across generations:
Rev. Prof. John Ataya, KeMU’s Vice-Chancellor and event host, emphasized understanding youth motivations: “What matters to students is justice. They are not violent, they don’t just go to the streets to demonstrate. It is when they are not listened to that pent up emotions erupt.”
Former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana stressed the importance of historical context: “Young people have to learn from history so that there’s context in their agitation. Leadership, especially the political leadership, should be ready to listen to and appreciate what they have to say.”
The intergenerational perspective came alive through Ms. Ivy Muchoki’s observation: “While the boomers were given a pre-defined system that confined them, the Gen. Z today are driven and aggressive. Millennials are creative thinkers and should offer the bridge between the older and younger generations.”
Ms. Sheila Masinde, Executive Director at Transparency International Kenya, addressed the root causes of generational frustration: “All generations have wept over the erosion of values in our country. We must deal with the software of the country. The hopelessness and lack of opportunities are what have caused anger, and that is why we must change and march towards a better country.”
Student Leadership Takes Centre Stage
Perhaps the most compelling moments came from student voices themselves. KeMU Student President Safia Guyo challenged assumptions about diversity: “Not only one generation has the answers. We thrive in diversity. Diversity only becomes a problem if it is weaponised.”
Student Leader Cpt. Cedrick Nagosa delivered one of the day’s most memorable lines: “We are living in different times. If our parents expect the same motivation that pushed them to go to school to also motivate us, they are wrong… But if we are not invited to the table, we will carry the table and run away with it.”
Building on Strong Foundations
As Commissioner Hon. Abdulaziz Ali Farah from NCIC noted: “We have no option, we have no excuse, as the people of Kenya of different diversities, ethnicities and generations but to unite and dialogue. That is the only way we can develop as a country.”
Dr. Evans Mwiti, KeMU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), provided the philosophical framework: “Our world views are largely influenced by our upbringing and socialisation… If we appreciate and accommodate these differences amongst us, then we can come together for peace and harmony.”
The Transgenerational Conversations forum at KeMU demonstrated that meaningful dialogue across generations isn’t just possible – it’s essential. As Kenya navigates complex challenges, events like these prove that universities can serve as crucial spaces for national healing and progress.
The event attracted over 200 students and delegates from more than 10 universities and colleges across Nairobi, marking it as one of the most significant intergenerational dialogues in recent Kenyan academic history.
Watch the Full Conversations
Missed the live event? All three panel sessions are available for viewing:
- Panel 1: Kenya’s Story Across Generations – Historical lessons and context
- Panel 2: How Our Diversity Can Become Unity – Transforming differences into strength
Panel 3: Better Governance and Political Accountability – The quest for
