Raila Odinga Urges Youths to Break Poverty Cycle Through Saving and Investment
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged Kenyan youths to adopt a saving culture as a critical step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and building wealth. Addressing students at the Co-operative University of Kenya on Wednesday, April 30, Odinga emphasized the need for financial discipline and long-term planning among young people.
Raila, who was attending the installation ceremony of Bernard William Chitunga as the new chancellor of the university, delivered a message of empowerment alongside President William Ruto. The ODM leader challenged the youth to think beyond present struggles and take deliberate actions to secure their financial futures.
“Saving is very important in terms of wealth creation. When you save, you can be able to invest. You must make a deliberate effort to break that poverty cycle so that we develop as a society. We need to think outside the box,” he stated.
He used the concept of the “vicious cycle of poverty” to illustrate how financial stagnation can persist without intervention. “There’s what we call the vicious cycle of poverty. It goes like this: I am poor, and because I am poor, I cannot save. And if I can’t save, I cannot invest. Since I cannot invest, I cannot create wealth. Hence, I remain poor. And the cycle continues,” he explained.
President Ruto echoed similar sentiments during the event, reinforcing the importance of mobilising savings to unlock investment opportunities. He emphasized the role of cooperative models in helping communities build capital and secure financial independence.
The appearance of both leaders at the event underscored a rare moment of unity around youth empowerment and economic transformation, with each leader highlighting practical pathways toward wealth creation.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high in other quarters, with Kenya Kwanza leaders recently criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s call for youth-led political reform. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed Uhuru’s credibility on matters of governance, citing failures during his administration.
Despite the political backdrop, Raila’s message to the students of Co-operative University resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that breaking generational poverty requires intentional financial habits and a shift in mindset.
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Raila Odinga Urges Youths to Break Poverty Cycle Through Saving and Investment