On one of our uniform distribution days in July, we arrived in the Sinai community and were met with tear gas hanging in the air. Students were in their classrooms, focusing on their lessons, while I found myself tearing up and sneezing, attempting to adjust to the environment. This was all amid recent protests triggered by a wave of insecurity in the area and a broader nationwide movement where young people were taking to the streets, demanding for better governance, justice, and an end to wasteful spending. These protests were initially against the proposed Finance Bill which threatened to significantly raise taxes, then they quickly evolved into a wider call for change. It became known as the “Gen Z Revolution,” a youth-led movement that saw thousands of young Kenyans not only marching through the streets, but also voicing their concerns online, demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders.

Kenyans are grappling with the rising cost of living, rampant corruption, and a lack of accountability among government officials. For many, the proposed tax increases felt like the final straw. The youth see their futures at risk and are no longer willing to wait for change—they are demanding it now. August 12th marked International Youth Day, a day when global leaders and development actors emphasized the critical importance of empowering young people and working alongside them to transform their communities. The youth-led movement in Kenya is a testament to the agency of young people. They are eager to usher in a new generation of leadership and governance, one that will steer the country in a direction that offers hope and opportunity for all.

In the context of education, where we focus our efforts, the effects of poor governance are too apparent. Many of the schools we work with are under-resourced, with crumbling infrastructure, lack of textbooks and learning materials, and a shortage of trained teachers to provide the education students deserve. Economic barriers like poverty further hinder students’ ability to thrive when parents struggle to pay school fees, buy uniforms, or provide basic necessities. This puts students at a disadvantage, limiting their ability to fully engage with their education and reach their potential. Being in the schools, just a short distance away from the chaos was a reminder why our work with local partners is important. We are not only distributing uniforms but also investing in the education of the next generation. Our partnership with local organizations helps to amplify the voices of young people, equipping them to become leaders in their communities, and empowering them to create the change they want to see.

At the end of our uniform distribution, the School Director expressed his pride in seeing young people from both Dignitas and Tailored for Education teams leading the efforts. Since the school’s founding, he had grown weary of empty promises from politicians and other leaders. This was only the second time the students had received meaningful support since the school opened, and it was a moment of great pride for him.

These young people are the future of Kenya. As we work to support their education, we are also helping to shape the future of the nation. In every uniform we distribute, we are stitching together the hope of a brighter future, where youth are not only heard but also lead the way.