At 29, Susan Kariuki is not only the Youth Agenda CEO but was also a member of the reference group for the Committee of Experts. She spoke to NJOKI CHEGE
Her exuberant presence and impressive mastery of the murky Kenyan political scene coupled with her witty, intelligent remarks on current affairs are just some of the qualities that will draw you to her.
One can listen to her for hours on end and learn volumes about youth and women empowerment in Kenya. Her passion and energy are not only conspicuous, but alsocontagious.
Suzan Kariuki-CEO-Youth Agenda
Meet Susan Kariuki, 29, the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Agenda Kenya. The Youth Agenda is an independent national youth organisation founded in 1996 to facilitate a participatory process that enables young people to assert their role and visibility in governance and development in Kenya.
childhood dream
Growing up in Thika, she was known to be an outspoken, opinionated girl with a mind of her own. Inspite of her outgoing and bubbly personality, she never imagined she would one day take to the streets to complain about MPsâ perks, high food and fuel prices, among other injustices in the country.
"I was annoyed with the culture of impunity in this country, and, more so by the fact that there arenât enough young women in national leadership," she says.
Shortly after acquiring a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Development from Daystar University in 2003, Susanâs path was clearly cut out for her. "I wanted to help the community, particularly the youth and young women" she quips.
life-changing experience
Susan recalls what a greenhorn she was, as far as governance and gender issues were concerned.
"I knew nothing about the Constitution and governance but I had a heart for true and servant leadership. I never understood why activists yearned for a new constitution, until I joined the Youth Agenda," she explains.
