Today Thursday, September 11, 2025, Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) hosted an important event focused on national healing and dialogue. At KeMU Towers, Nairobi Campus, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) organized the second edition of the Transgenerational Conversations Forum. This platform aimed to address Kenya’s generational divides and turn conflict into a means for progress.
From Protest to Dialogue
In recent years, Kenya has seen many protests led by Gen Z that have transformed civic engagement. Where others viewed these events as disruptive, NCIC recognized them as an opportunity. They saw the need for structured spaces where grievances could evolve into solutions. The Transgenerational Conversations forum was their response. It invited students, leaders, and citizens from all generations to engage in conversation.
“Different generations have discovered their mission. Some have fulfilled it, while others have not. I believe the current generations will fulfill theirs,” said Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, NCIC Chairman, in his keynote address. His words emphasized the need for accountability across time and a sense of duty for the future.
Generations in Conversation
The forum featured three main sessions:
Kenya’s Story Across Generations – This session highlighted how today’s struggles are shaped by historical contexts.
Turning Diversity into Unity – Participants engaged in a candid discussion about how to turn ethnic, generational, and ideological diversity into a collective strength.
Governance and Accountability – This was a televised national dialogue focused on leadership, political responsibility, and the need for integrity.
Tensions, Truths, and Turning Points
What made the forum special was not only the speakers, but the openness of the discussions:
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, former Makueni Governor, urged the youth to connect their activism with history: “Leadership must be ready to listen and appreciate what young people have to say.”
Ms. Ivy Muchoki pointed out generational differences: “Boomers inherited rigid systems; Gen Z are driven and fearless. Millennials need to bridge the two worlds.”
Ms. Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International Kenya, highlighted a core issue: “Hopelessness and lack of opportunities are the roots of anger. That is why we need to change direction.”
The Student Voice: Unfiltered and Unapologetic
The most memorable contributions came from students who spoke passionately:
Safia Guyo, KeMU Student President, stated, “No single generation has all the answers. We thrive in diversity—but only if it is not weaponized.”
Cpt. Cedrick Nagosa said, “If we are not invited to the table, we will take the table and leave.”
Towards a Shared Future
For NCIC Commissioner Hon. Abdulaziz Ali Farah, the message was simple: “We have no excuse but to unite and talk. That is the only way we can develop as a country.” Dr. Evans Mwiti, KeMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Student Affairs), shared a philosophical perspective: “Our worldviews are shaped by our upbringing. If we can accept these differences, peace and harmony are possible.”
More Than a Forum
With over 200 students and delegates from more than ten universities attending, the Transgenerational Conversations forum was more than just an academic gathering. It showcased Kenya’s ability to turn generational conflict into national progress.
In a country often marked by divisions, KeMU demonstrated that dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools for fostering unity, trust, and a shared vision for the future.
