A Young Kenyan Leader’s Reflections on the Roundtable with the Dutch King and Queen

An Invitation That Stirred a Village

When Marion, an alumni of NIMD Kenya’s Democracy School, received the email inviting her to a roundtable discussion with the King and Queen of the Netherlands, she was, in her own words, “nervous but ecstatic” and joked that she “told her entire village.” It was not just the weight of the moment, her first interaction with a monarchy, but also the gravity of the issues at hand that made her anxious. Beyond the excitement lay a deeper sense of responsibility. With widespread outrage online over the monarchs’ visit, she knew that her role in the discussion needed to extend beyond her own perspectives.

The Weight of Representation

Stepping into the room, Marion quickly realized she was one of only ten young people in attendance (a far cry from the hundreds she had imagined). This changed everything. The intimate setting meant that every voice, including hers, had weight. She had to ensure that the concerns she raised transcended personal experience and spoke to the broader reality of youth political engagement in Kenya.

Understanding the skepticism surrounding the visit, she came prepared. She researched extensively, ensuring her points were backed by data. The training she received as an alumnus of the Democracy School in dialogue and intergenerational dialogue helped her sharpen her arguments, allowing her to advocate effectively for young people’s issues while engaging the monarchy in a balanced and informed discussion.

A Conversation Beyond Expectations

Like many young Kenyans, Marion had approached the roundtable with a fair degree of skepticism. She assumed the discussion would be a formality, a mere diplomatic checkbox before the King and Queen moved on to State House to discuss trade agreements with Kenya’s president. She anticipated the usual politically correct sentiments around youth issues as she had witnessed time and time again and not an honest exchange of ideas.

To her surprise, the monarchs displayed an in-depth understanding of Kenya’s political landscape. They acknowledged the voter apathy in the 2022 elections and recognized the renewed youth interest in political participation. The King openly spoke about the dangers young activists face when holding the government accountable online and encouraged them to channel their energy into advocating for electoral reforms such as the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and voter registration.

Perhaps most notably, the King applauded young activists like Morara Kebaso and Kasmuel Mcoure (influential figures in last year’s protests) who were now transitioning into formal political structures. Morara in the process of founding his own political party, while Kasmuel had formally joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The King emphasized the need for young people to rally behind leaders who prioritize youth issues rather than simply supporting traditional party strongholds and positions.

Tension, Trust, and Transformation

The atmosphere at the roundtable was tense at first. The group was comprised of youth from diverse political party affiliations, civil society, and activist circles. Some of the young activists present openly expressed their discontent about being there, highlighting the growing divide between politically engaged youth and those who continue to reject formal political structures in favor of activism.

However, as the discussion unfolded, the tone shifted. The King and Queen sat among the participants. The act, though seemingly small, signaled a genuine interest in listening, something that softened even the most skeptical voices in the room, including Marion’s.

The presence of Dutch Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker also played a crucial role in building trust. Marion had previously interacted with him during the Political Café event in December 2024, NIMD Kenya’s informal dialogue forum for young people to discuss emerging political issues with leaders and political experts. His unwavering encouragement for open and honest discussions reassured her and others that their voices mattered, helping to bridge the initial hostility in the room.

Beyond the Roundtable: What’s Next?

Marion left the discussion with a more nuanced perspective on dialogue processes. She still believes that Kenya has a long way to go before such conversations can happen meaningfully between youth and senior political leaders. Mutual trust, active listening, and perhaps most importantly according to Marion, humility from senior leadership being prerequisites for real engagement.

For young people who may find themselves in similar high-level discussions, her advice is clear: come prepared, speak with courage, and remember that you represent more than just yourself. Research, clarity, and conviction turn a single voice into a movement.

The Monarch’s Takeaways

The King made a commitment to raise the key issues discussed with the Kenyan President during their bilateral meeting, including:

• The barriers to voter registration, particularly the financial burden of obtaining national identity cards.
• The increasing disregard for democratic processes and the suppression of youth voices.
• The structural challenges within political parties that limit youth participation.
• The dismissal of youth-driven accountability efforts by elected leaders.
  

The Bigger Picture: Engaging Youth Beyond the Roundtable

While one roundtable cannot singlehandedly address Kenya’s political challenges, it highlights the importance of sustained engagement. NIMD Kenya’s Democracy Schools play a crucial role in preparing young leaders like Marion for such conversations. By equipping them with skills in political dialogue, critical analysis, and governance, these schools help bridge the disconnect between political structures and the youth.

As Kenya moves towards the 2027 elections, young people have a choice: to engage or disengage. Marion’s experience at the roundtable is a reminder that while skepticism is warranted, engagement through different pathways is crucial.