NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 27 — Kenya’s public debt debate is increasingly shifting beyond borrowing figures to the impact of debt and public spending on healthcare, employment and the future of young people.

📻 Breaking It Down

Young people, civil society organisations and legislators raised concerns over the country’s borrowing decisions and called for greater accountability in the management of public resources during a Freedom from Debt Parliamentary Breakfast Meeting held in Nairobi on Thursday.

The meeting was organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya and civil society partners and brought together lawmakers, youth representatives and civil society actors to examine the impact of Kenya’s debt burden on public services.

The discussions were informed by a Youth Position Paper developed during a youth meeting held on August 25.

📌 What You Need to Know

AHF Kenya Country Director Dr Kinyanjui urged young people and civil society organisations to use available platforms to demand accountability on public debt and expenditure.

“I don’t want anyone to leave here feeling like we are hopeless. Like we are helpless, there’s nothing we can do,” he said.

For young participants, the debt debate was not simply about the amount Kenya owes but about their involvement in decisions that will determine the country they inherit.

Benedict Endamofasa, a 21-year-old university student and youth organisation volunteer, said young people wanted to participate directly in discussions on the country’s economic future.

“We want to be on the table because the discussion is about the Kenya we want to inherit,” Endamofasa said.

Participants argued that decisions on borrowing, taxation and public expenditure should take into account their long-term implications for employment, social services and economic opportunities.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya