Nairobi – Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku on Wednesday challenged African youth to take the lead in shaping the continent’s future through the African philosophy of Ubuntu. His call came during the opening of the 2025 All Country Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi.
The five-day conference, hosted by CorpsAfrica, brought together more than 1,000 delegates, including young leaders, volunteers, policymakers, and global partners. The event’s theme, “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” set the tone for a program centered on inclusive, values-based leadership.
“Young people are not just the future they are the now,” Ruku said in his keynote address. “They are leading in technology, enterprise, advocacy, climate action, the arts, and even governance.”
He defined Ubuntu as a principle grounded in shared humanity, empathy, and mutual responsibility. He urged youth across Africa to adopt this approach in addressing issues such as inequality, tribalism, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
“True leadership is not about personal success,” Ruku said. “It’s about the success of everyone around you. That is Ubuntu.”
With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, Ruku called the youth demographic a powerful engine for innovation and progress. He identified sectors like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy as high-potential fields where youth can lead practical change.
The Cabinet Secretary also encouraged schools and policymakers to embed Ubuntu-driven leadership values in education systems. “We must go beyond ideals and into action,” he said. “Ubuntu must guide how we build institutions and shape communities.”
As the conference continues through June 20, delegates are expected to discuss youth-led development, civic engagement, and sustainable innovation.
In his closing appeal, Ruku urged young leaders to support each other and challenged older generations to invest in youth growth. “When one youth succeeds, all of us succeed,” he said. “Africa’s future depends on how well we uplift one another starting now.”
