By Dorothy Musyoka
Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, delivered a rousing keynote at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit 2025, held at the historic Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Addressing a packed auditorium of student leaders and youth influencers from across the continent, Kenyatta issued a passionate call to action: for Africa’s youth to rise as the architects of a self-reliant, united and future-ready continent.
Framing Africa’s current challenges as an opportunity for generational transformation.
“You Are the Last Line of Defence in Reshaping the Continent’s Future,” Kenyatta declared.
Drawing on the global shifts marked by inward-looking policies in the West, Kenyatta emphasized that Africa must take charge of its destiny.
“No one is coming to save us, and as the world turns increasingly inward, the places to seek refuge are rapidly disappearing,” cautioned the former President.
Speaking at the Summit, which brought together policymakers, student leaders and academic stakeholders from across East Africa in a powerful convergence of ideas and vision under the theme “Leadership with Integrity: Building Foundations for Good Governance in East Africa,” Kenyatta emphasized the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to navigate the continent’s pressing challenges.
Kenyatta highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 65% of its population under 25, calling it a pivotal opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption.
“You have the numbers, you have the time and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he noted.
He challenged young leaders to embrace merit-based governance, where policies serve long-term national interests rather than short-term political gains.
The Guild Leaders’ Summit, now in its second year, brought together student leaders from over 20 African countries to deliberate on youth empowerment, governance, and regional integration.