By by Mercy peter
Is Kenya Raising a Generation That Fears Responsibility? Responsibility is not a fancy word–it simply means doing what you’re supposed to do, even when it’s hard. It’s about showing up, making decisions, and being ready to face the consequences. But if we look around Kenya today, we have to ask: Are we raising young people who are afraid of that?
Many adults complain that the youth are lazy, entitled, and not ready to carry the weight of life. Is that true? Maybe in some ways. But we also have to ask why that might be happening.
Where the Problem Starts
Let’s start at home. Many parents today do everything for their children. They fear letting them struggle or fail. They clean up their messes–both in the house and in life.
A child who is never allowed to fall will
never learn how to stand. So we end up with young adults who expect life to be smooth and easy–and when it’s not, they break.
Our schools don’t help much either.
Students are taught to memorize answers, not solve real problems. They’re trained to pass exams, not think for themselves. When they leave school, they’re lost. Many don’t know how to take initiative or think independently–because they were never taught how.
When it comes to work, it’s even more obvious. Many young Kenyans would rather stay at home than do a small job. Farming, washing cars, selling food–all these are seen as “shameful” work. Everyone wants an office job, even if it doesn’t exist. It’s not that the youth are lazy -it’s that many are scared to start small. They fear being judged or mocked.
Even in politics, most young people
complain about leaders being corrupt or
unfair–but they don’t vote. They don’t organize. They don’t run for office. Many say, “Why should I care? It won’t change anything.” That’s fear. The fear of taking responsibility for your country, your future. But It’s Not All Their Fault
We also have to be fair. It’s hard to be responsible in a system that feels broken. When you apply for jobs and hear nothing back, when leaders steal without punishment, when education doesn’t lead to opportunity–why wouldn’t you feel discouraged?
And truthfully, not all youth are avoiding responsibility. Many are hustling, starting businesses, raising families, and standing up for what’s right. Think about the young Kenyans creating apps, running online businesses, or speaking up on social media about mental health, corruption, and climate change. That’s responsibility too- just in a modern form.
In fact, maybe the real problem isn’t that the youth fear responsibility–but that the adults have failed to show them what true responsibility looks like. We complain, but do we mentor? Do we listen? Do we lead by example?
What Can We Do?
If we want responsible youth, we need to start young. Let children make small choices. Let them fail. Let them try. Schools should teach life skills, not just textbooks. Parents should stop doing everything for their kids. And we need leaders–real leaders–who take
responsibility and show others how to do the same.
The youth also need to stop waiting for perfect conditions. Life is never perfect. Start small. Take action. Be willing to fall and get back up. That’s where strength comes from.
Conclusion
So, is Kenya raising a generation that fears responsibility? In some ways, yes. But it’s not because the youth are broken–it’s because the system is failing them. The good news is that change is possible. If we all play our part–parents, teachers, leaders, and young people themselves–we can raise a generation that doesn’t fear responsibility, but owns it with courage. And maybe the better question isn’t, “What’s wrong with the youth?” but rather, “What kind of society are we building around them?”
