In recent years, the youth in Kenya have been taking on more active roles in the country’s governance. However, their involvement in governance has a complicated history, dating back to the pre-colonial era. During that time, young people were already participating in traditional community decision-making structures. However, the British colonial government forbade young people from participating in governance because they viewed them as inexperienced and immature.
After Kenya gained independence in 1963, young people continued to be excluded from formal political structures. It wasn’t until the 1990s when a new constitution was adopted that emphasized the importance of youth involvement in governance that the situation started to change. The constitution required political parties to set aside seats for young people and established youth councils.
Since then, there have been numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation in governance in Kenya. In the early 2000s, the creation of several youth-led organizations such as Youth Agenda, which promotes youth participation in governance, led to a significant uptick in youth involvement. The group was instrumental in promoting the inclusion of youth-related issues in the 2010 Constitution.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges that young people face in executing their roles in governance. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of platforms that allow young people to speak out and take action. Without these platforms, it is difficult for young people to make their voices heard and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes.
Another challenge is the limited opportunities for young people to hold elected positions. While the constitution requires political parties to set aside seats for young people, the actual number of youth in these positions remains limited. Additionally, young people often face discrimination and are not taken seriously when they run for office.
To overcome these challenges, there is a need to create more youth-branded platforms that allow young people to voice their opinions, take action, and inspire belief in their ability to effect positive change through youth-led development initiatives. Additionally, political parties should provide more opportunities for young people to hold elected positions, and measures should be put in place to address discrimination and bias against young candidates.
The roles that young people can play in governance are numerous and diverse. One of the most crucial roles is participating in decision-making processes. Young people can bring new perspectives and ideas to the table and can ensure that the voices of the younger generation are heard.
Another important role is advocating for youth interests. Young people can be powerful advocates for issues that affect their peers, such as education, employment, and healthcare. They can raise awareness about these issues, lobby policymakers, and push for change.
Young people can also contribute to policy development by providing feedback and suggestions for new policies. They can bring unique insights and experiences that can help shape policies that are more effective and responsive to the needs of young people.
Finally, young people can carry out youth-led initiatives that address the challenges facing their communities. These initiatives can range from community service projects to social enterprises and can have a significant impact on the lives of young people and the communities they live in.
In conclusion, the involvement of young people in governance in Kenya is crucial for achieving sustainable development and building a better future for all citizens of the country. Despite the challenges that young people face, there are many opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes and promote positive change. By creating more youth-branded platforms, providing more opportunities for young people to hold elected positions, and addressing discrimination and bias, Kenya can ensure that the voices of its young people are heard and that their potential is fully realized.