The exchange happened during a public interaction where a 20-year-old student from the University of Nairobi asked the governor for guidance on entrepreneurship and business opportunities for young people.
“I’m a 20-year-old student from the University of Nairobi. I want to start a business, what advice can you give me?” the student asked.
In response, Arati told the student: “You aren’t the first person to go to university, first get an ID and a voter’s card.”
The governor’s remarks immediately attracted attention online, with Kenyans offering differing interpretations of his message.
Some viewed the response as dismissive toward the student’s entrepreneurial ambitions, while others argued that Arati was emphasizing the importance of civic participation and personal responsibility among young people.
The statement quickly circulated across social media platforms, where users debated whether political leaders should focus more on providing practical economic advice to young people struggling with unemployment and limited opportunities.
Youth unemployment remains one of the major challenges facing Kenya, with many university students and graduates increasingly turning to entrepreneurship and small businesses as alternative sources of income.
For many young people, access to startup capital, mentorship, and business opportunities continues to be a major concern, especially amid rising living costs and a competitive job market.
Arati’s comments also reignited broader conversations about the relationship between politics and youth empowerment.
Some observers argued that voter registration and national identification are important tools for civic engagement, while others felt the response failed to directly address the student’s request for business guidance.
Political leaders in Kenya often engage with students and youth groups during public forums, where discussions frequently revolve around employment, economic opportunities, leadership, and governance.
The Kisii governor, known for his outspoken style and direct political messaging, has on several occasions attracted public attention through candid remarks during public events and political gatherings.
Although the governor did not elaborate further on business strategies or entrepreneurship during the exchange, the incident has continued to generate discussion among students and young professionals online.