Hundreds of spirited youth from across the Archdiocese of Nairobi gathered for the Youth Walk 2025, a vibrant pilgrimage that began at Holy Family Basilica and culminated at St. Don Bosco Catholic Church in Upper Hill. The walk centered on five critical themes aimed at shaping a better future for the youth. Empowering youth financially for a better future, overcoming addiction through faith, embracing renewed hope in the Jubilee Year, promoting civic responsibility and peace, and addressing the impact of childhood trauma by encouraging healing and open conversations.
The event was officially flagged off by renowned journalist Linus Kaikai, who offered a heartfelt and empowering message to the youth, drawn from 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” In his address, he echoed the words of the late Pope Francis, reminding the youth that they are the hope of society. Kaikai emphasized the urgent need to restore hope among young people and called on them to believe in themselves and who they are, affirming their value and potential as agents of change.
As the walk progressed, the youth made several meaningful stops where each of the five themes was thoughtfully unpacked. On the issue of addiction, the speaker did not shy away from delivering a hard truth, he drew a powerful parallel between addiction and idol worship. He explained that it is a form of idol worship, saying, “…and unfortunately sometimes we replace God with something else—we replace God with alcohol, we replace God with habits, we replace God with very many different addictions…when you are feeling depressed or anxious, instead of running to the Father, we run to that thing that we are addicted to.” It was a moment of deep reflection as the youth were urged to make a personal commitment to surrender any form of addiction they may have to God and to seek lasting freedom in Him.
When the topic turned to childhood trauma, the message was equally moving and profound. The speaker encouraged the youth to not only speak up about their own experiences but also to be a light for others who may be struggling. She identified some common signs of unresolved trauma, such as projection and intellectualization. Drawing a creative analogy, she compared the healing journey to a dysfunctional flashlight, stating that some people need certain “batteries” to function properly: AA – Attention and Affection, AAA – Attention, Affection, Acceptance, C – Compassion, D – Direction.
She added that some people do not need any battery, they only need to stay next to the light. “Sometimes we just need to be close to people and let them enjoy our company,” reminding the youth of the power of presence and authentic companionship.
Civic education was also highlighted as a vital area where young people can make a difference. The speaker emphasized the need for youth to be a voice of reason in society. “If you are not participating in vying for any position, you can help in choosing the right leaders,” she said, encouraging those discerning leadership roles to rise up and change the narrative. She also reminded the youth of their broader responsibilities, urging them to care for the environment, emulate the late Pope Francis in their compassion, support the sick in society, and become pilgrims of hope with seeds of faith planted in their hearts.
Youth Walk 2025 was more than just a walk through the city. It was a declaration of identity, resilience, and purpose. The energy, unity, and passion displayed by the young people reflected a deep hunger for transformation, both personal and societal.
From Holy Family Basilica to St. Don Bosco, the streets of Nairobi became a pathway of faith, a platform for truth, and a celebration of youthful strength. As the day ended, one thing was clear: the youth are not just the future, they are the present, and they are ready to lead with courage, hope, and love.
