Youth Leagues

South Eastern Region Youth Leagues

Consultative & Strategy Forum
19 March 2021
Kyaka Hotel, Machakos

www.theyouthcongress.org

Youth Leagues
South Eastern Region Youth Leagues
Consultative & Strategy Forum
19 March 2021
Kyaka Hotel, Machakos
Content
Acronyms and Abbreviations ii
Acknowledment ii
Executive summary iii
Introduction 1
Opening Speeches 3
Plenary I – Understanding the Journey and Vision 7
Keynote Speeches 11
Launch of The Youth Leagues in the SEKEB 22
SEKEB Couties’Socio-Economic Outlook 24
Mapping Issues - Challenges and Solutions 26
Youth Leadership at SEKEB 30
SEKEB Youth League Profiles 32
About The Youth Leagues 36
Recommendation 39
Conclusion 40
List of participants 44
Bibliography 47
About The Youth Congress 49

c The Youth Congress

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 Acronyms and Abbreviations Executive Summary
CBO Community Based Organization MCSK Music Copyright Society of Kenya The South Eastern Region Youth Leagues During the forum, Claire Davanne, a Con-
CEB County Education Boards MoH Ministry of Health Consultative and Strategic Forum was held sultant in Social Development and Open
CG County Government NACADA National Authority for the Campaign on 19 March 2021 in Machakos County and Governance, underscored the importance
EIZ Economic and Investment Zone Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse brought together youth representatives and impact of citizen engagement in the
GoK Government of Kenya NGO Non-Governmental Organization
from groups and organizations from the budgetary process by stating that “partici-
IEA Institute of Economic Affairs PRISK Performers Rights Society of Kenya
counties of Kitui, Machakos, and Makue- patory budgeting offers an inclusive oppor-
IEBC Independent Electoral and SDG Sustainable Development Goals
ni. Through the unveiling of the Manifesto tunity to enhance youth’s interest in public
Boundaries Commission SEKEB South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc
TSC Teachers Service Commission
for The Youth Congress and a Manual for engagement. It is good governance for
IITA International Institute of Tropical Youth Leagues in Kenya, the convening countries to get their youth excited about
Agriculture; TVET Technical and Vocational Education
and Training pledged to form a united front in the tack- civic participation to help invest in Africa’s
KICOTEC Kitui County Textile Centre ling of socio-economic issues in the region future.” Indeed, more transparency, better
KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics USAID United States Agency for International
Development and Kenya. accountability, and greater responsiveness
KYDP Kenya Youth Development Policy
VSO Kenya Voluntary Service Overseas Kenya to the youth demography are elements
KYEOP Kenya Youth Employment
Organizing is extremely critical for the young Kenyans yearn for.
Opportunities Project
success of any constituency especially the
youth. For a long time, youth have been The aim of the Youth Leagues and The
used and abused, and their energies and Youth Congress is so much a subject of
numbers have counted for nothing. Where dealing with the current problem in rep-
Acknowledgement shall we draw the line and say “enough”? resentation (both in terms of description
and political, social, and economic place of
The Youth Congress is grateful to youth formations that are members of The Youth League drawn from Dr. Katindi Sivi from the LongView Group the youth) and as such, we desire to pro-
the three (3) counties of SEKEB that took time to participate in the consultative and strategy forum to opined that Kenya is at a crossroads on the vide the image of youth that shall redirect
provide a platform where ideas that can change the communities, counties and national conversation issue of its young people. With a bulging many prevailing stereotypes. To walk this
on various socioeconomic issues affecting the youth. youth population, the country has a win- path, Raphael Obonyo, the Convenor of The
dow of opportunity to expand its labor force Youth Congress reiterated that “Nothing
We are grateful to our partners for their contribution to the Youth Leagues in Kenya, particularly the Ford and increase its economic growth, savings can be more important than organizing if
Foundation, the Canadian High Commission, and the Kenya Community Development Foundation. and investments while decreasing its de- Kenyan youth want to change their condi-
pendency. A big youth population can also tion and position, and realize freedoms.”
We are thankful for the contribution of the presenters and speakers; Dr. Katindi Sivi (LongView Group), be a source of unprecedented challenges if
Victor Muniafu (Machakos County Government), and Claire Davanne (Consultant in Social Development
the numbers are not anticipated and well Through an organized and disciplined
and Open Governance) who provided valuable insights that laid the foundation for mapping out SEKEB
managed. youth, our nation can be graced with lead-
issues and strategies for consideration.
ers with fidelity to the Constitution. A new
We appreciate the Secretariat led by
Victor Muniafu, the Ag. Chief Officer for and better Kenya will be achieved only if
Raphael Obonyo (Convenor),
Tourism & Culture from the County Gov- youth move away from the vices of the po-
Stanley Ogola (Program Coordinator), ernment of Machakos, stated that the litical leadership of the older generation:
Halima Hanii (Programme Officer), and County Government recognizes that the corruption, politics of division, greed, en-
Christine Osongo (Finance Officer) for their technical support. future of this County and indeed the future slavement by foreign interests, and other
of the Republic of Kenya, lies in the hands forms of injustices.
We recognise the contribution of Mary Mutula (conference planning) and Charles Waweru (rapporteur) of the youth, and to this end, the County
for the planning and coordination of the SEKEB Youth Leagues Consultative and Strategy Forum to has put great emphasis on programs that
great success. We also appreciate the media coverage provided by Magic Reel Pictures. are aimed at developing the great poten-
tial that is the hands of the young people
Asanteni. of this County. The County Government
has developed three focal points primar-
ily geared to harnessing and developing
the youth, that is Machawood, sports, and
ii youth empowerment. iii
 Introduction

Introduction
The South Eastern Region Youth Leagues Consultative and Strategic Fo-
rum was held on 19 March 2021 in Machakos County and brought together
youth representatives from groups and organizations from the counties of
Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni.

Over 15 youth organizations in all the three (3) counties of SEKEB came
together to form a Regional Youth League to champion the agenda of pro-
moting youth-centric solutions to societal challenges.

With the recent enact publishing of the Kenya Youth Development Policy
(2019), The Youth Congress found it prudent to lay the groundwork for the
organizing of youth caucuses with shared values to champion youth caus-
es as a united front from the grassroots to the national level.

The convening of the SEKEB Youth Leagues Consultative and Strategy Fo-
rum is grounded and supported by Article 10 (National values and princi-
ples of governance -a)patriotism, national unity,sharing and devolution of
power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people), Article
28 (Human Dignity), Article 32 (Freedom of Conscience, Religion and Opin-
ion), Article 37 (Assembly, Demonstration, Picketing, and Petition), Article
43 (Economic and Social Rights), and Article 55 (Youth) of the Constitution
of Kenya 2010.

At the start of the convening, participants expressed their desire to form a

network of youth organizations that shall organize and mobilize youth to

“
speak with a single voice whenever championing a cause at the grassroots,
county, and national level.
This is what effective
action looks like:
“
Youth Leagues
iv 1
 Speeches

Opening Speeches

Nicodemus Sakayo
Youth president, Machakos County Youth Assembly

Working together as
South Eastern youth
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We have a busy day ahead of us. I will, therefore, make very brief
welcoming remarks.

My name is Nicodemus Sakayo, and it’s my privilege and pleasure to

welcome you here today. We are delighted to have you with us to par-
ticipate and share at this first convening of the South Eastern Region
Youth Leagues. Thank you for coming. That many of you have traveled
long distances to be here serves as a reminder just how important we
value the initiative.

Thanks to The Youth Congress for their continued effort in champi-

oning youth causes in many spheres. The great work that the organi-
zation is doing continues to inspire many of us, to do more, and to do
better.

We are pleased and grateful to be part of The Youth Congress Youth

Leagues, to continue working and walking together as young people.

We welcome this initiative.

At the end of the day, what is important is that we must use our col-
lective strength in numbers, energies, creativity, talent and all that we
have to push for youth inclusion and our collective interests.

I thank you and warmly welcome all of you to the convening.

“ Let’s work together to

ensure youth inclusion
and development
“
2 3
 Speeches

Henry Ogolla
Programs Coordinator, The Youth Congress

Youth Formations:
Building Blocks for Emancipation
The Youth Congress traces its origins to the run-up to 2007 general elections in Kenya as
part of efforts by youth to seek development and emancipation through political account-
ability where the youth can engage in a meaningful and purposeful dialogue between
themselves and the stakeholders. The growth of the Youth Congress has in part been on
account of its focus on four (4) key thematic areas: policy & research, youth & leadership,
youth entrepreneurship, talent and innovation, and institutional development.

The Youth Congress has on various occasions championed the development of key issues
within the Republic. For example, The Youth Congress is a leading voice in the growth and
development of youth voice within the Blue Economy conversation from 2018 through
the facilitation of nationwide dialogues and research on the same.

Moreover, The Youth Congress played a key stakeholder role, within the technical commit-
tee, in the development of the Kenya Youth Development Policy (2019). Moreover, through
the convening of the National Youth Congress that allows youth leaders from across the
country to meet with duty bearers and exchange ideas that shape Kenya’s socio-econom-
ic policy.

The Youth Congress is keen to empower the youth through its Youth Entrepreneurship
Support Programme. Budding entrepreneurs are accorded to the opportunity to respond
to a call for support after mapping and identification of communities in greatest need of
economic empowerment.

The current SEKEB Youth League Consultative and Strategy Forum is a part of a series of
the nationwide convening of youth-led organizations at their respective regions that was
launched in Nairobi on 17 December 2020 followed by the Lake Region convening on 27
January 2021 and thereafter one in the Coast Region on 11 February 2021. In total, there is
about 500 youth organization drawn from 47 counties that expressed and were admitted
into the Youth Leagues.

“ The Youth Congress serves as a reliable youth

agent that is self-driven, community-rooted,
“
and human rights-based formation of the
youth for the youth.
4 5
 Plenary I

Raphael Obonyo
Convener, The Youth Congress

Understanding the Journey

and Vision
Kenya’s demography is currently tilting towards a generational change
where the youth have, like any other interest group, the critical mass re-
quired to effect the desired change in the way in which both society and
Government deals with them. Indeed, The Youth Congress, in its desire
to begin the process of shaping the future of the youth, sort to organize
themselves through the utilizing of resources to provide a platform for
youth to have meaningful engagement in various sociol economic is-
sues. Such is the calling that led to The Youth Congress taking the con-
versation further into forming The Youth Leagues that shall in turn form
the foundation for organizing the youth.

A cursory examination of data from the IEBC reveals the intention of the
youth to seek to control their future. For example, the registered voters
aged between 18 and 35 constituted 51% of the entire database. Despite
such a high voter registration number from this constituent, only 23% of
the registered electoral candidates (3,428 out of the 14,523), were aged
between 18 and 35. Whereas the number is low vis-à-vis the number of
youth voters, it is encouraging to note that 314 youth candidates went on
to be elected in August 2017 with one, elected as a Governor. Sadly, the
number, compared to the total available elective slots of 1,910, represents
a meagre 16% of youths in elective office.

2017 General Election Youth Candidates

Gender
Elective Position Total
Male Female

“
Presidential 0 0 0
Senatorial 6 0 6
Youth in Africa need opportunities, Member of National Assembly 14 3 17
they represent dynamism, talent Woman Member of National Assembly 0 3 3
and energy that must be harnessed
“ Gubernatorial 1 0 1
for the continent to make real Member of County Assembly 274 13 287
progress. Total 295 19 314
6 7
 However, it is impressive to see how
young people have taken the lead in oth-
er areas. They are the drivers of the private
sector economy through highly advanced
technologies and systems, which can be
replicated with great success if applied in
politics.
It is also inspiring to see many young
people at the community level stand
for human rights and social justices. We
also have young people in civil society, in
Parliament, and places of worship. These
youth leadership roles can provide bea-
cons to open up more leadership spaces.
Suffice to note that the low numbers of
youth occupying public elective office are
a pointer to the unenviable challenge of
being organized. Compared to women,
the youth are yet to reap the benefits of
their numbers; for example, women have
a designated representative cast in the
Constitution of Kenya (2010), unlike the
youth who have to rely upon nomination
slots. Unless the youth decide to get orga-
nized, achieving youth-centric socioeco-
nomic development across the Republic
would be difficult.
Nothing can be more important than or-
ganizing if Kenyan youth want to change
their condition and realize freedoms. Ken-
ya of the future – or should I say the world
of the now – is being shaped by the youth
– a significant part of the country’s pop-
ulation, which collectively can determine
the direction and enjoyment of rights and
freedoms. Youth harbour adequate ener-
gies and innovativeness to take a change
of their future.
8 9
Nevertheless, there is still an opportuni-
ty for the youth to reclaim their destiny.
Youths must refuse to follow the script of
the old order and the political elites. Fifty
years is too long for the youth to keep wait-
ing for an opportunity to change their sit-
uation. It is now evident that this will never
come easily. Youth must refuse to be pas-
sive recipients and instead play an integral
role in championing their rights and the
realization of socio-economic and political
independence. This is the only way they
will truly be free and prosper.
By establishing youth leagues in all the 47
counties, The Youth Congress will help to
build a strong youth voice and collective
action that will help to improve the condi-
tion and position of youth at all levels.
Central to the call for the organization of
the Youth Leagues are based in four core
reasons:
(a) Help youth to better organize;
(b) Champion youth agenda at the
county and national level;
(c) Build a strong youth voice and collective
action and;
(d) Expand cooperation and coordination.
There is nothing for us without us; the
youth must be ready to be part of the na-
tional conversation on political power not
only on the county but also national agen-
da. Why should we allow others, who are
not youths to speak on our behalf? The
Youth League presents that opportunity to
ensure that the youth are not a menu but
instead sit at the table as patrons.
Remember that when you sing alone,
you shall not be as loud as when you are
singing together with others. Through
The Youth Leagues, various youth agents
shall get the opportunity to build a strong
youth voice for collective action. Through
such a voice, the youth shall be better
placed to expand their avenues for coop-
eration and collaboration. From the plat-
form, The Youth Congress pledges to pro-
vide the members of the Youth Leagues
linkages to its network of partners who
may wish to support either specific caus-
es or youth formation.
However, for the youth to be better placed
in realizing the idea of Youth League, there
is a need to convert the mob of youth into
an army of youth through adhering to a
set of organizational doctrines that are
being guided by the core values and crite-
ria for leadership and Integrity that is also
enshrined in Chapter Six, Article 2 of Ken-
ya’s Constitution. As this matter of values
is central to the organizing for youths, we
would like to promote, protect and adhere
to principles of leadership and integrity.
Youth are
reshaping the
present, & creating a
better future
The Manifesto of The Youth Congress and
Manual for Youth Leagues in Kenya shall
provide the guide for steering the conver-
sation from the grassroots level to the na-
tional level. Whereas sceptics might aver
that this is not the first time the youth are
seeking to be organized, the Manifesto
comes at a different time and from a differ-
ent crop of leaders who view the document
as the missing ingredient for the success of
organizing various youth organizations.
As the saying goes- ‘If you want to go fast,
walk alone but If you want to go far walk
with others’. The Youth Congress would
want to go far and thus invite youth actors
from across the Republic to first get orga-
nized then-champion agendas with a unit-
ed front. Remember, change begins at the
grassroots level.

Victor Muniafu
Ag. Chief Officer, Tourism & Culture
Machakos County Government
Building Pillars of Youth Engagement
in Devolved System of Government
The County Government of Machakos rec-
ognizes that the future of this County and in-
deed the future of the Republic of Kenya, lies
in the hands of the youth, and to this end, the
County has put great emphasis on programs
that are aimed at developing the great po-
tential that is the hands of the young people
of this County.
Three focus areas within the Machakos
County Government are primarily geared to
harnessing and developing the youth, that is
the Machawood, sports, and youth empow-
erment.
Machawood
The Machakos Entertainment Centre for Film,
Media, Music, and the Arts (Machawood) was
the brainchild of Machakos County Gover-
nor, H.E Dr. Alfred Mutua, who recognizes
the great economic potential in the orange
economy which can be a major employer for
the youth, not only in Machakos but in the
Country as a whole.
Machawood’s mandate is talent develop-
ment through nurturing and creating in-
frastructure that would enable the youth to
make a living out of their God-given talents,
and to this end, Machawood has training
workshops and iconic annual events that
recognise and promotes talent.
10
Key Note Speeches
“
County government of
Machakos recognises its “
future and the republic lies in
the hands of the youth
Over the years, the Machakos County Govern-
ment has partnered with the National Gov-
ernment and the private sector to offer free
training workshops especially in the area of
film; the County has so far partnered with the
Kenya Film Commission, Kenya Film Classi-
fication Board, Department of Film Services,
Kenya Copyright Board, MCSK, PRISK and
Canon.
Machawood incorporates several events
such as Talanta Fest where young people
from schools and higher institutions of learn-
ing are given a platform to showcase their
talents, from dancing, singing, spoken word
etc. The winners are awarded trophies and all
participants are given a certificate of partici-
pation
.
Machakos Artfest is another event that tar-
gets talented school leavers, semi and pro-
fessional performing artists, fine artists and
sculptors. The event is usually a two-day af-
fair that combines performances, exhibitions
and training workshops in the areas of copy-
right, intellectual property, new media and
talentpreneurship.
The Uhai Festival is an event that primarily
promotes people with disabilities in the ar-
eas of arts and sports, we invite people with
disabilities from all over the country to Mach-
akos. The event also offers a platform for peo-
ple with disabilities to air their views and to
network together, with government and aid
agencies. 11
 The County also has the Machakos Top-Choir
Show that is geared towards developing
choral singing, most great musicians the
world over started their careers as members
of choirs. Lastly, the Machakosfest, which is
the only short film festival in East Africa that
awards the winners with cash prizes. The ra-
tionale behind cash prizes for the winners is
to enable you, people, to reinvest in the film
industry and by doing so, create employ-
ment.
The County Government is currently con-
structing state-of-the-art music and film stu-
dios that when finished, will spur the growth
of the creative economy. Machawood makes
Machakos County the premier hub for enter-
tainment and film in the region and beyond.
Sports
The Machakos County Government in rec-
ognition of the great socioeconomic impact
that sport can have on society has invested
heavily in sports since the start of devolution
and has improved the standard of sports ac-
tivities and sports facilities by initiating vari-
ous projects all over the County.
The County Government embarked on the
sportspersons. H. E Governor Dr. Alfred Mu-
tua in an initiative to economically empower
youth talented in sports established a sports
academy that created direct employment to
40 youths. The academy has a team, Mach-
akos United, that has been participating in
FKF Division 2 since 2016 and attained sec-
ond place in the 2020 season. Having an ac-
tive team domiciled in Machakos and with
the stadia hosting both local and internation-
al sporting events has created opportunities
for businesspersons in Machakos County es-
pecially those who sell their products and of-
fer accommodation when sportspeople and
fans visit Machakos.
By developing and facilitating sports, Macha-
kos County Government has attracted sports
tourism through public-private partnerships
in hosting international events like Tour De
Machakos, which attracts cycling partici-
pants and fans from all over the world, mo-
torsport activities like Machakos TT, Archery
and Canoeing. These sporting activities at-
tracts both local and international tourists.
The Machakos CG undertakes all these activ-
ities to empower our young people in talent
development and to encourage economic
activities around sports.
There are various events and outreach pro-
gram that the Youth Department has devel-
oped to fully engage the youth in profitable
endeavours. One of the events is a youth
and sports day event whereby the county
facilitates free HIV testing and counselling,
free vocational training registration, entre-
preneurship training and training on how to
apply for affirmative funds available to the
youth. The Machakos CG has embarked on a
campaign to offer all these skills at the ward
level; so far, the CG has trained youth groups
from 4 Wards with 36 Wards left.
The Machakos CG seeks to ensure more
youth apply for affirmative funds at the
sub-county level. Matungulu has come out
tops with 43 youth groups receiving funding,
followed by Kathiani with 35 youth groups,
Machakos 22, Mavoko 12, Kangundo 3, Yatta
1. Mwala and Masinga are yet to apply. The
Youth Department is closely monitoring the
areas with low uptake and encouraging the
youth to take advantage of these funds.
Other youth empowerment initiatives spon-
sored by the County Government include:
Bi-weekly youth sensitization forums
in all villages in Machakos;
With the new normal that has been ne-
cessitated by the Covid19 pandemic, the
Machakos CG is actively engaging the youth
through social media in disseminating and
decentralising information on Covid 19 in-
fection, prevention and control.
On 19 February 2020,
Machakos County
held a Youth Empowerment
Program that attracted
atleast 8,000 participants
and 60 exhibitors. Over 3,000
job opportunities were
created, 106 scholarships
were offered, 170 youth
applied for the Youth
Enterprise Development Fund
with a cumulative value of
17 million, and 121 youth
registered for free vocational
training.

construction of five (5) stadia all of which are
designed to meet FIFA standards. Currently,
one stadium is complete and fully function-
al and has hosted over 800 sports activities
including international football and rugby
matches. Two stadia are 90% complete while
the remaining two are at 40% which all sta-
dia scheduled for completion and operation-
alization before the end of 2021.
In line with promoting the sport, the Coun-
ty Government of Machakos has distribut-
ed sports kits to over 400 teams including
facilitating training sessions for over 200
12
80%
Matatu and motorbike sector training
Youth Empowerment and fund drive;
Fund drives for youths to start entre-
The Directorate of Youth Empowerment is preneurship;
tasked with empowering and inspiring the Social media campaigns;
youth to engage in all developmental and Youth group leadership training- we
entrepreneurial activities in the county, by train the group leaders of all youth of unemployed
groups to enable them to train their
being hardworking, confident and self-reli-
members; Kenyans are below
ant. This can be achieved through skills de-
Targeted sensitization on youth ini- 35 years old
velopment, civic engagement, innovation, tiatives, both County and National,
talent entrepreneurship, healthy lifestyle, during sports and entertainment
funding and policy frameworks that sup- events.
port the youth. To this end, the Machakos CG
developed a Machakos County Youth Policy
that is currently before the Cabinet.
13
 Key Note Speeches

Key Note Speeches

Dr. Katindi Sivi
Founder and Lead Consultant.
Long View Consult

Youth quest and Space in

Socioeconomic and Politic Discourse
Since independence, youthfulness was generally performed in the public sphere as a
negative when it came to the question of political leadership. Kenya as a country has
had an established trend requiring one to make a name elsewhere before making a
plunge into politics. For most of the first four decades of the post-colonial period, one
could be forgiven for assuming that for youth, the present exists in the passive tense,
functioning purely as a transitory period to a future in which they can begin to partic-
ipate in society. Thus, the challenge of understanding Kenyan youth as active partici-
pants in society, and especially as significant players in politics, has been largely ignored
or superficially treated in reflections on Kenya.

Kenya is at a crossroads on the issue of its young people. With a bulging youth popu-
lation, the country has a window of opportunity to expand its labor force and increase
its economic growth, savings and investments while decreasing its dependency. A big
youth population can also be a source of unprecedented challenges if the numbers are
not anticipated and well managed.

In cases where these young people have been well educated and where their energy
and ingenuity have been sought, young people have been great assets. Segments of
youth in Kenya have been able to come up with incredible innovations. However, in cas-
es where these large youth populations are relatively well educated but unemployed,
they have become a social challenge and a political hazard.

“ We must not ask ourselves what

will the future of the youth be in Kenya
or even, what might the future of
Kenya look like – but what role the
“
youth might play in influencing
Kenya’s future.

14 15

The continued exclusion of youth from a
productive role in the economy has exac-
erbated crime, drug abuse and vandalism,
and escalated the vicious cycle of poverty.
An elusive search for status and livelihood
has driven many, particularly young men, to
religious radicalization and involvement in
terror activities.
These youth are also ready fodder for po-
litical manipulation and expediency. The
recent discovery of commercially viable oil
and gas in the country is the latest addition
to the pot of violence triggers and political
contestations.
Whereas many efforts have been put in
place to try and create opportunities for
young people – such as providing loan facil-
ities to start small enterprises or youth work
programs – these efforts have been short-
term and tokenistic in nature and have
therefore not led to the meaningful change
that is required to turn the large youth
population into a great asset. In a country
where these two realities of advantaged
and disadvantaged youth co-exist side-by-
side, a systemic approach to provide long
term solutions is urgently needed.
Understanding the country’s population
growth, structure and distribution will pro-
vide insights that help minimize the chal-
lenges of a growing youth population. Ad-
equately investing in the enrollment and
completion rates of young people in sec-
ondary, tertiary and university education
as well as improving the quality and rele-
vance of education would sufficiently pre-
pare students for work and life. Additional
investment in youth reproductive health,
urbanization, innovation, and meaningful
employment would certainly help to max-
imize the opportunities that youth bulges
present.
16
Research from IEA indicates that countries
with youthful populations that are relatively
well educated and are unemployed have
a 26% probability of getting into a civil
conflict. This probability increases by
150% if the youth population peaks.
Kenya’s description of its economic space
for the youth is dominated by high rates of
unemployment and an increasingly shrink-
ing of opportunities in the formal economy
– the civil service and the private sector - the
employment mainstay of preceding gener-
ations. Although real opportunities lie in the
informal sector whose rapid growth in the
last two decades makes it the frontier for
economic success for the youth, there is a
frustrating lack of access to factors of pro-
duction and the resources – financial and
otherwise – needed to actualize this poten-
tial.
Agriculture, once Kenya’s mainstay, has all
but lost its lustre for the youth, the majori-
ty of whom desire to be part of the nation’s
fast-growing urban population. ICT – partic-
ularly concerning digitized media – is the
new area of emphasis. However, imbalanc-
es in access to the necessary infrastructure
particularly inhabitants of rural Kenya and
those living in low-income urban settle-
ments - many of who still do have access to
basic services such as electricity – restricts its
potential to a select minority. The test here
would be to facilitate diversification of the
economy and the facilitation of alternative
/ new/neglected opportunities expanding
the possibilities available to youth beyond
the narrow realms of the formal sector.
From a social perspective, two particular
areas of concern that affects the youth are
access to quality education and adequate
health services. It is perhaps in these two,
more than anywhere else, that the effects
on youth about regional and class inequal-
ities are at their most evident. Those who
have no choice about the matter forced
to make do with deteriorating, under-re-
sourced, overwhelmed facilities. There
is – arguably as a direct consequence – a
ballooning number of youth falling victim
to the consequences of irresponsible/un-
healthy lifestyle choices; a spiralling crime
rate characterized more and more by vio-
lence; and the evolving menace of youth
vigilante groups in all their diversity.
There is also pressure on social institu-
tions, such as the family, and formal reli-
gious and educational institutions, which
interact in the making of a rapidly evolving
Kenyan society whose values are drawn
from indigenous and exogenous sources,
reaching both to the past and the future.
The resultant mix, like elsewhere, is some-
times fraught with tension and confusion,
even as it increasingly reflects the vibrant
and diverse population that is Kenya’s
greatest asset. Whether Kenya will remain
fractured along the fault lines of inequali-
ty or reconciled as critical imbalances are
redressed, remains to be seen.
It is important to note that young people
are not a homogenous group. Differenc-
es exist not just in terms of opportunities
and societal outcomes, but also across
geographical regions, gender traits, class,
urban/rural status, and disability status.
Such diversity leads to different levels of
perception amongst different youths.
For example, research done amongst
the youths of Africa revealed that the
greatest fear amongst them is a failure
(36%), poverty (22%), death (17%), and
terminal illness (14%).
On the other hand, the perception of suc-
cess among youth in Africa was hav-
ing a good profession/ job (19%), being
well educated (18%), helping others
(14%), being in good spiritual standing
(12%), and having fortune (9%).
Key Note Speeches
When youths were asked what needs to hap-
pen for the government to be more effective,
49% called for more resource allocation
to youth-centric initiatives, 28% opined
for more youths in governance, and 16%
called for better legislation, better youth
policies, and eradication of poverty. Key
to note is that whereas many young people
complain of ineffective citizen engagement
in their society, only 48% are interested in
public affairs.
How youth engage in public
affairs affecting them
49% Social Media
14%
Through youth
councils
Through Religious
10%
Institutions
8% NGO/CSO’s
Through youthfull
8%
members of Parliament
Only by understanding the perceptions of
youths shall society be able to form a con-
crete framework for their empowerment.
Similarly, each generation, out of relative ob-
scurity, must discover its mission; fulfil it or
betray it.
We must not ask ourselves what will the fu-
ture of the youth be in Kenya or even, what
might the future of Kenya look like – but
what role the youth might play in influenc-
ing Kenya’s future.
17

Claire Davanne
Consultant in Social Development and Open
Governance
Access to Opportunities and Actualizing the
Expectation of the Modern Youth in Kenya
Kenya’s most recent watershed moment
since the reintroduction of multiparty-
ism in the early 90s came in 2010 with the
promulgation of the constitution. Follow-
ing years of constitutional debate, Kenyans
finally had their say, vide citizen engage-
ment, in a referendum. The Constitution of
Kenya (2010) is arguably the most radical
change in decentralized governance in
sub-Saharan Africa when Kenya enacted
a new constitution that saw fiscal trans-
fers from Nairobi 47 local governments
across the country. The constitutional re-
forms were expected to usher in a new era
of more community-focused projects with
the government more responsive to the
needs of the citizenry. Perhaps the most
important question that all need to ask
is whether the new Constitution has laid
an adequate framework for open gover-
nance.
“
More transparency, better
accountability, and greater
responsiveness to the youth
demography are elements
“ youth, urban youth often dismiss govern-
young Kenyans
yearn for.
18
Key Note Speeches
Open governance can simply be under-
stood to mean a doctrine that sustains that
citizens have the right to access the docu-
ments and proceedings of the government
to allow for effective public oversight. When
implemented, open governance principles
enable nations to realize the SDG of leaving
no one behind and their national values and
principles of governance, including human
dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness,
equality, human rights, non-discrimination
and the protection of the marginalized. At
the centre of this dream is using the ener-
gies, creativity and critical mass of the youth.
With Kenya’s youth population exceeding
that of any other age group, are the youth
adequately involved in setting their socio-
economic agenda?
Despite the youth forming the bulk of the
population, older citizens hold de facto
budgetary decision-making power. From
a cultural perspective, the older genera-
tion is viewed as possessing more wisdom
and experience in comparison to the youth.
However, youth in urban centres have great-
er access to information making their citi-
zen engagement process higher. Whereas
online media engagement ropes in more
ment processes over what they perceive to
be misinformation and systemic neglect
from government programs. This percep-
tion goes back to the need for open gover-
nance; where the government are forthright
with their information, such citizen percep-
tion would be reduced. 19
 Despite the shortcomings, how can the
government improve the design and im-
plementation of service delivery for greater
development outcomes? In other words,
how can citizens collaborate effectively
with local governments? A model that in-
corporates a three-pronged approach is
proposed:
Conducting diagnoses – Conduct sen-
timent analyses (through online sur-
veys) population and reflect on the main
youth priorities and main ideas we re-
cently collected from you through the
online survey;
Setting Political Agenda – Empower
youth to turn their ideas into proposals
(google doc templates) and write their
development proposals to be funded by
the County budget and;
Holding officials accountable – lob-
by for their projects to be incorporated
in the County Assembly Development
Planning, funded, and implemented.
The rich cultural diversity in Kenya means
that the needs of the youth in Kenya may
vary from county to county depending on
various socioeconomic factors. For exam-
ple, counties from rural Kenya might find
education, food security and inclusion as
the main areas of concern as compared to
those from urban areas who might consid-
er technology as a more pressing concern.
County governments need to better incor-
porate public participatory budgeting into
their budget decision-making process if
they intend to get the best and most prac-
tical ideas from their taxpayers.
But where can the youth start? The youth
can start by taking an idea of developing it
20 into a technically sound, and socially rep-
resentative proposal. For such a proposal Risks – the proposal mentions at least
to merit a second look by policymakers, it one major risk that can hinder the proj-
needs to consider ten (10) key metrics: ect’s implementation and presents a
compelling mitigation measure to mit-
Geography – the proposal must focus igate it and;
on a specific location where resources
may be concentrated for maximum out- Budget – the proposal presents a clear,
put; sound, and feasible budget estimation
for funding the project.
Objective – the proposal must ensure
that it addresses the needs of its target
Participation in group decision-making
population to the objectives of the orga-
involving deliberation (but not a simple
nization;
majority vote) does improve collective out-
comes. This effect is achieved primarily
Credibility – the core idea/ concept in
the proposal must be well developed
through convincing arguments, based
on evidence, and backed by both qual-
through better strategic decision-making
that minimizes the costs associated with
contributions. Deliberation is also associ-
800,000
Young Kenyans enter
itative and quantitative elements; ated with changes in preferences, great-
er levels of agreement with decision out-
Job Market each Year
comes, and greater perceived fairness.
Plan – the proposal must contain rele-
vant and detailed activities with match-
ing deliverables; Ultimately, the youth in Kenya want a
meaningful and engaging opportunity to
thrive no matter their location.
Beneficiaries – the proposal details the
total number of project beneficiaries
with priority given to youth, women, and
PWDs;
Potential for impact & value addition
– echoing the proposal’s objective, the
proposal makes a strong case of the im-
UNEMPLOYMENT IN KENYA
35% 10%
pact envisaged for the community;
Indicators – the proposal presents at
least two (2) sufficient and relevant indi- of youth lack Overal national
cators that can measure the success of
gainful employment Unemplyment rate
the project once implemented;
Social representation - the proposal
takes into account the importance of
taking action to ensure that the proj-
ect not only addresses the needs of the
youth but also reflects ideas of other
people in their community and gain
21
wide support;
 Plenary II Youth league manual unveiling

Unveiling In this regard, The Youth Leagues and The Youth Congress desires to provide the
image of youth that shall redirect the energies harboured by the various youths
Launch of the Youth Leagues into forming a voice that shall drive socio-economic changes from the grassroots
to the national level. However, realizing such a goal calls for an organized and dis-
in South Eastern Region ciplined youth. Organizing is extremely critical for the success of any constituency
especially the youth. For a long time, youth have been used and abused, and their
energies and numbers have counted for nothing. For The Youth Congress, this
matter of discipline and integrity is therefore a requirement that is as central as
is the struggle to the greater freedom that we are yarning for. The following are
what the members of The Youth Congress and its affiliate formation shall sub-
scribe to:

i. Adherence to The Youth Congress values and vision in advancing the

Across Kenya, there is a burgeoning youth population calling for greater recogni-
tion in the socio-economic transformation of Kenya. With their budding energy,
innovation, and optimism, there is a need to ensure the youths in Kenya are better
organized through the formation of caucuses that shall in turn form the voice of
the many youths.
22
youth agency
ii. Support the ideas of the Youth Leagues and The Youth Congress and
place themselves under its overall discipline
iii. Carry out decisions, duties, and resolutions with diligence
iv. Organize, participate and contribute positively to all County Youth league
and The Youth Congress activities and to contribute to the strengthen-
ing of the organic unity of the youth movement
v. Rally youth to support and unite behind the Country Youth Leagues and
actively participate in the creation of a united, non-racial, de-ethnicized,
non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous Kenya
vi. Protect the Youth League and The Youth Congress mandate at all times
by exercising maximum vigilance
vii. Exercise discipline and exemplary behaviour at all times and maintain
harmonious relations with all members of the Youth League and the
community in general
viii. Combat all forms of tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, and other forms of
discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, clan, and sex as well as com-
bating factionalism and malicious gossip within our ranks
ix. Initiate and participate in activities aimed at promoting national values,
solidarity, cohesion, peace, and social Justice
x. Promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality, and effective distribution
of authority and accountability between men and women in the youth
movement
xi. Respect to the Rule of Law, the Constitution of Kenya, and other related
laws
23
 SEKEB Couties’
Socio-Economic Outlook
The SEKEB covers an area of 44,713 km2 harbouring 29% of Kenya’s population and 7.7% of
the 2017 registered voters. Below is a brief socioeconomic outlook of the region, based on
data from the CGs, KNBS and IEBC, that informs the issued mapped at the forum.
Kitui County
Kitui County, the land of untapped abun-
dance, shares its border with Tharaka-Nithi
and Meru to the north, Embu to the north-
west, Machakos and Makueni to the west,
Tana River to the east and southeast, and
Taita-Taveta to the south. The name Ki-
tui means ‘a place where iron goods are
made’; its name was given by the Kamba
iron-smiths in the pre-colonial era.
The KNBS data stated that the county has
a population of 1,136,487 (52% female &
48% male; 2.7% identify as PWDs) living in
an area of about 30,496 km2 resulting in a
population density of 37 and a household
size of 4.3 (262,9423 in total).
Some of the key flagship projects under the
Governor, H.E. Charity Ngilu, includes KIC-
OTEC, Ndengu Processing Plant, the Kitui
County Health Insurance Cover, artificial
insemination program, Mianda Irrigation
Scheme, Kitui Tilting Program, honey pro-
cessing, and the Ballast Crusher (with a
production capacity of 120 tones per hour).
Following its mandate as a County, the
County Government of Kitui developed its
long-term development blueprint, Kitui
Vision for Economic and Social Transfor-
mation aimed at guiding its economic and
social development for the next ten years
up to the year 2025. The envisaged County
long-term development blueprint covers
the EIZ which were endorsed by stakehold-
ers in November 2013. These economic and
investment zones include Kyuso-Mumo-
24
ni-Tseikuru, Mui Basin, Mwingi Town and
Environs, Kitui County Headquarters and
Environs, Kanyangi-Kwa Vonza-Kanyonyoo,
and Mutomo-Ikutha-Kanziko.
Agriculture is a key livelihood despite the
semi-arid climate. 94.9% of arable land is
under subsistence agriculture where 75.9%
and 67.6% of households engage crop and
livestock production respectively.
Persons aged between 15 and 34 (account-
ing for 32% of the population) are keen to
participate in the economy with 55.9% with
access to mobile phone albeit only 24.2%
with access to the internet.
In terms of political engagement, Kitui
County has eight sub-counties and forty
County Assembly Wards. In the 2017 Gen-
eral Elections, 75.8% of the registered voters
cast their vote.
Machakos County
Machakos County, the place to be, shares its
border with Nairobi and Kiambu counties
to the West, Embu to the North, Kitui to the
East, Makueni to the South, Kajiado to the
South West, and Murang’a and Kirinyaga to
the North West. The county has an altitude
of 1000 – 1600 meters above sea level.
The KNBS data stated that the county has
a population of 1,421,932 (51% female & 49%
male; 2.2% identify as PWDs) living in an
area of about 6,042 km2 resulting in a pop-
ulation density of 235 and a household size
of 3.5 (402,946 in total).
Some of the key flagship projects under the
Governor, H.E. Dr. Alfred Mutua includes
Machawood, Machakos People’s Park, wa-
ter harvesting, upgrading ten (10) commu-
nity health facilities into Community Hos-
pitals (Level 3B), building market shades in
the 40 sub-locations, and construction of 9
stadia across the sub-counties.
Agriculture is a key livelihood despite the
semi-arid climate. 92.3% of arable land is
under subsistence agriculture where 53.9%
and 43.9% of households engage in crop
Makueni County
Makueni County shares its border borders
Machakos to the North, Kitui to the East,
Taita Taveta to the South and Kajiado to
the West. The County has several promi-
nent features in including volcanic Chyullu
hills which lie along the South West border
of the county Mbooni hills in the Mbooni
sub-county and Kilungu and Iuani hills in
Kaiti sub-county, Makongo forest and sce-
nic view, Makuli forest and Nzaui hill.
The KNBS data stated that the county has
a population of 987,653 (51% female & 49%
male; 3.7% identify as PWDs) living in an
area of about 8,169 km2 resulting in a pop-
ulation density of 121 and a household size
of 4.0 (244,669 in total).
Under the Governor, H.E. Prof. Kivutha Kib-
wana, the county has to date completed
over 1,798 development projects across var-
ious areas such as health (KES 1.15 billion),
transport (KES 909 million), education,
sports & ICT (KES 855 million), agriculture
(KES 850 million), and water (KES 658 mil-
and livestock production respectively.
Persons aged between 15 and 34 (account-
ing for 35.5% of the population) are keen to
participate in the economy with 70.9% with
access to mobile phone albeit only 41.1%
with access to the internet.
In terms of political engagement, Macha-
kos County has eight sub-counties (Macha-
kos Town, Mavoko, Masinga, Yatta, Kangun-
do, Kathiani, Matungulu, and Mwala) and
forty County Assembly Wards. In the 2017
General Elections, 75.7% of the registered
voters cast their vote.
lion). Some of the key youth empowerment
initiatives include the Tetheka Fund and Tu-
someei Computer Nduani.
Agriculture is a key livelihood despite the
semi-arid climate. 92.8% of arable land is
under subsistence agriculture where 73.8%
and 64.6% of households engage in crop
and livestock production respectively.
Persons aged between 15 and 34 (account-
ing for 33.4% of the population) are keen to
participate in the economy with 60.6% with
access to mobile phone albeit only 28.6%
with access to the internet.
In terms of political engagement, Makue-
ni County has six sub-counties (Mbooni,
Kilome, Kaiti, Makueni, Kibwezi West, and
Kibwezi East) and thirty County Assembly
Wards. In the 2017 General Elections, 78.5%
of the registered voters cast their vote.
25
 Mapping

Challenges and Solutions

Kitui County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment
Youth unemployment in the county is
high (with only 48.4% of the eligible la-
bour force in gainful employment) de-
spite high literacy levels (only 13% never
attended formal education) resulting in
Mapping disenfranchised youths engaging in an-
ti-social behaviour. Available jobs are low
paying with only 3.9% of arable land un-
der commercial farming;
Mapping Youth Issues – Challenges and Strategies
2. Drugs and Substance abuse
The youth represent energy, creativity, and innovation and should be beacons of hope that Youths engage in drugs & substance
can always support the community when looking to solve societal challenges. Through in- abuse due to various socioeconomic
dividual acts and collective action, young people are slowly but surely reclaiming the power factors such as unemployment and dis-
of governance. Youth offers promise to a future where communities engage in dialogues enfranchisement from national proj-
to arrive at solutions to societal challenges. Delegates drawn from the three (3) counties ects. Drug-related crime includes theft
were invited to form county-based causes and map three (3) issues that were most per- of stock (54.9%) and burglary/ break-ins
tinent to their respective counties with a view of laying the foundation to multi-sectoral (44.7%) and;
partnership and collaborations in solving the issues.
3. Supportive Institutions
Inadequate presence and access to the
youth-friendly socioeconomic frame-
26
work.
Solutions
1. Domestication of the Kenya Youth Devel-
opment Policy into Kitui County;
2. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
empowerment of drug addicts;
3. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
centres such as ICT and innovation hubs
and;
4. GoK & CG support converting part of the
94.9% of arable land under subsistence
farming to commercial as a means of cre-
ating economic.
Key Actors and Potential Partners
1. County Government of Kitui;
2. KYEOP;
3. Kenya Cereal Enhancement Program;
4. NACADA;
5. Green Culture Community Initiative and;
6. Caritas Internationalis.
27

Machakos County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment
Youth unemployment in the county is
high (with only 52.9% of the eligible la-
bour force in gainful employment) de-
spite high literacy levels (only 6.5% never
attended formal education) resulting in
both disguised & structural unemploy-
ment. Available jobs are subject to nepo-
tism; only 6.6% of arable land under com-
mercial farming;
2. Health.
Youths engage in drugs & substance
abuse with drug-related crime includes
burglary/ break-ins (61.7%). Inadequate
access to knowledge on SRH rights.
Covid19 has increased deterioration of
mental health and;
3. Gender Inequality.
Despite women accounting for 50% of
the population, FGM, inadequate provi-
sion of SRH rights, leadership, and prop-
erty inheritance remains key elements
denying fulfilment of women’s empow-
28 erment.
Solutions
Makueni County
1. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
Challenges centres such as ICT and innovation hubs;
2. Promote the efficacy and potential of
1. Economic Empowerment youth engagement in agribusiness;
Solutions Youth unemployment in the county is
3. Support high school dropouts in joining
and pursuing education at TVETs;
1. Support enrolment of youth into the TVET high (with only 51.8% of the eligible la-
4. Linking youth to the KYEOP and Ajira
institutions, KYEOP & Ajira Digital Pro- bour force in gainful employment) de- Digital Program;
gram; spite high literacy levels (only 7.8% never 5. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
2. Domestication of the Kenya Youth Devel- attended formal education) resulting in empowerment of drug addicts;
opment Policy into Kitui County; both disguised & structural unemploy- 6. Enhanced career guidance & counselling
3. Countywide rehabilitation & economic ment. Youths lack adequate job market (including mentorship programs) given
empowerment of drug addicts; exposure; only 6.2% of arable land under to all school-leaving students and;
4. GoK & CG support to convert part of the commercial farming; 7. Sensitize community on gender equality
92.8% of arable land under subsistence to catalyse a behaviour change that shall
farming to commercial as a means of cre- 2. Health. reduce/ end SGBV.
ating economic opportunities and; Youths engage in drugs & substance
5. Enhanced career guidance & counselling abuse with drug-related crime includes Key Actors and Potential Partners
(including mentorship programs) given to theft of stock (43.5%) and burglary/ break-
all school-leaving students. ins (42.4%). GBV cases are high (34.3%) 1. MoH;
coupled with inadequate access to 2. Government of Makueni County;
Key Actors and Potential Partners knowledge on SRH rights. Covid19 has 3. Office of the Women Representative of
increased deterioration of mental health Makueni County;
1. MoH; 4. NACADA;
and;
2. Machakos County Government; 5. USAID;
3. Plan International; 6. Centre for Health Solutions (Kenya);
4. Red Cross Society of Kenya; 3. Leadership.
7. World Vision (Kenya);
5. I Choose Life Africa; Youth decry of inadequate leadership 8. Shina Foundation;
6. CARE Kenya; opportunities, capacity building, and in- 9. Kitise Rural Development;
7. VSO Kenya; clusivity. 10. VSO Kenya;
8. Youth for Sustainable Development; 11. Red Cross Society of Kenya;
9. TVETs; 12. The Youth Congress;
10. Machakos County Youth Assembly and; 13. Linda Watoto;
11. Nyumba Kumi Initiative. 14. IITA; 29
 Youth Leadership at SEKEB
The need for political power as a tool of mapping out
the destiny of the youth nation was tested when del-
egates were called upon to form a committee of inter-
im leaders. At the SEKEB forum, participants resolved
to have each county electing their leader at the county
level. The three (3) county leaders proceeded to appoint
their regional leader through consensus. The selected
leaders shall serve for six months as the SEKEB Youth
League prepares to lay the foundation for the election
of leaders that shall govern the outfit for one year. The
selection of female youth leaders was welcoming and
indicative of the region to entrust female leaders into a
critical position in society.

Election
County Coordinators
No Names County

1. Nicodemus M. Sakayo Machakos

2. Christine Mwende Kitui
3. Winnie Mukosi Makueni

Regional Coordinator
Name County

Nicodemus Sakayo Machakos

30 31
 SEKEB
Youth League Profiles
Kitui County
Green Culture Community Initiative
Green Culture Community Initiative is a youth outfit operating in Kitui County that seeks
to rehabilitate the environment from dry to green through intensive afforestation. One
of its flagship projects is the Trash for Wealth Project which is a social enterprise project
on unlocking circular economy around solid waste by creating climate change adapta-
tion initiatives as employment venture for the unemployed youths & teen mothers as well
as environmental conservation, climate change and global warming eradication which is
brought about by burning of trash. By joining the Youth Leagues, the outfit seeks to create
synergy on championing waste management with like-minded entities.

Katulani Digital Youth Network

The Katulani Digital Youth Network envisions connecting the youth to the digital world
through digital platforms and online work. By joining the Youth Leagues, it purposes to
create awareness on the opportunities of online work for the youth.

Kitui Youth Assembly

The Kitui Youth Assembly seeks to occupy three-quarters of county assembly seats come
2022 general elections. Some of its key projects are resource mobilization, voter education,
and public participation. By joining the Youth Leagues, it purposes to network with poten-
tial young political aspirants.

National Youth Council - Kitui Chapter

The Kitui Chapter of the National Youth Council seeks to connect youths with available
government opportunities through interactive forums for youths throughout the country.
By joining the Youth Leagues, it seeks to network with organizations at the grassroots level
with a view of tackling youth issues both and the county and national government level.

The Youth in Agribusiness Forum

The Youth in Agribusiness Forum was founded in 2018 to educate young people to em-
brace modern farming for productivity within Kitui County. Some of its key projects are in
the areas of fruits and vegetable farming and rearing poultry. The outfit seeks to join the
Youth Leagues to gain more knowledge on agriculture and hope to change our mindset
that agriculture is dirty but embrace it as the common factor in growing our economy.

32 33
 Machakos County
Kenya Affirmative Action Media Network (KAMANET)
KAMENET is a social media platform that advocates for affirmative action against discrim-
ination and marginalization creating an equal society with a goal of poverty eradication
in the South Eastern Region of Kenya. It draws its membership from young journalists in
the region with a shared vision for empowering marginalized groups with information to
make informed decisions. The organization is currently on Facebook and YouTube with
the following growing by the day as it strategically positions itself to have all legal require-
ments in place to open to the public in the coming days. Currently, the organization is
based in Machakos town on Kangundo Road in a residential estate.
Kyanganga CBO
Kyanganga CBO was founded in 2016 at Kyanganga Village in Mumbuni North sub-coun-
ty with a view of empowering youth and women socioeconomically through community
development projects such as poultry farming, table banking, and assisting those persons
living with HIV, PWD, orphans and widows. By joining the Youth Leagues, the outfit seeks
to network with like-minded entities.
Machakos County Youth Assembly
The Machakos County Youth Assembly comprises non-partisan youth of ages between
18-35 years who have the authority to implement and collaborate with youth and other
stakeholders of the SDGs to push for equal opportunities, inclusivity and general youth
empowerment. The assembly seeks to foster mutual understanding and collaboration
of the youth and key county and national stakeholders, discuss youth contributions to
county issues on socioeconomics and environmental issues, advocate for the rights of the
Machakos County youth, create and push for equal opportunities for current and future
youth generations, and act as a link between the youth and county government. Some of
its key projects include youth MCA training and capacity building and student mentorship
program.
Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) – Machakos Chapter
YSD Machakos was founded as a CBO in 2018 with a view of promoting development
through championing of SDGs, building the economic capacity of youth (through youth
entrepreneurship and employability projects), advocating youth inclusion (through col-
laborative social accountability practices and enhancing civic education), and the nurtur-
ing of youth leadership and voice (through the creation of youth engagement platforms).
34
Makueni County
Help Reach Africa
Help Reach Africa is a local NGO founded in 2009 that focuses on maternal newborn
child health, youth and adolescent, infectious diseases including HIV, TB and Malaria
and non-communicable diseases. Its logo stands for: - Rights-Empowerment-Advance-
ment-Care-Health. The entity envisions a world where all people are empowered to live
their dreams. By joining the Youth Leagues, the outfit seeks to learn and be empowered
to speak in one voice for our young generation.
Jumuisha Initiative CBO
Jumuisha Initiative CBO was founded in 2015 in Makueni County with the vision of mould-
ing responsible, innovative and active citizens through interactive and participatory val-
ue-based training and mentorship. Its youth policy/ perspective is an advocate for be-
haviour change, personal attitude, self-esteem and discipline, educate youth on the effects
of drugs and substance abuse, create awareness on reproductive health and responsible
sexual behaviour, create awareness on cybersecurity, promote entrepreneurship, talent
development and self-esteem, and encourage environmental management and conser-
vation. By joining the Youth Leagues, the outfit seeks to network with like-minded organi-
zations, bring together concepts and champion for leaders with morals.
Kibwezi Hortipreneur Youth Group (KHYG)
KHYG is a youth agripreneurs group formed in March 2015, under the IITA Agribusiness
Incubation Program, whose major goal was to empower youths toward careers in mar-
ket-oriented agriculture and agribusiness. KHYG comprises graduate youths whose initial
focus was the production of high-value vegetables and fish farming and has expanded to
value addition leading to the production of sweet potato crisps, service delivery in capac-
ity building and consultancy services to other youth and farmers. Some of its socioeco-
nomic projects include greenhouse vegetables, fish farming, fish feed production, crisps
business, trading of cereals and legumes, and training of youths during the agribusiness
incubation weeks. The outfits wish to be part of the Youth Leagues to speak our voices
together with other youth and be heard.
35

About The Youth Leagues
Young people need to take up leadership roles in order to realize their rights and free-
dom. The Youth Leagues comes in handy so as to assist the youth envision an inclusive
society in which they will enjoy all rights and contribute towards transforming, devel-
oping and advancing youth issues. The Youth Leagues are to be established in the 47
Counties as a solution provider to the challenges faced by the youth as well as assist in
strengthening youth voices for collective action.
The youth need to be well organized, united and see themselves as actors to stop dis-
crimination, exclusion and exploitation from other leaders who take advantage of their
vulnerable status and naivety for their own self-gain. The Youth Leagues will look be-
yond the various challenges faced by young people and seek to offer long term solu-
tions and give them an opportunity to exercise their rights and freedom.
Formulation and implementation of Youth Policies in all the 47 Counties is key in ad-
dressing youth exclusion and drivers of inequalities. Youth mobilization, organization
and coordination is key in ensuring all matters concerning the youth are well addressed
and also contribute to the strengthening of the organic unity of the youth movements.
These Youth Leagues will greatly contribute in the creation of a united, non-racial,
de-ethicized, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country as well as assist the
young people in participating actively in combating tribalism, regionalism, nepotism,
and other forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, clan, sex and combating
factionalism and malicious gossip within our ranks.
The Youth Leagues will also promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality, equity and
effective distribution of authority and accountability between men and women.
The Youth Congress and Youth Leagues seek to address youth exclusion and drivers
of inequalities. They envision an inclusive society in which youth enjoy all rights and
apply their agency. For The Youth Congress, youth mobilization, organization and co-
ordination are key to transformation, development and advancing youth courses. Most
important, integrity is a requirement that is as central as is the struggle for expanded
freedom, space and the Kenya they Want.
36
About the youth league
In order to facilitate creation of The Youth Leagues, The Youth Congress sent an open
application for youth groups, networks and organizations across the 47 counties. More
than 500 applications were received and assessed. Through the youth leaders and
representatives there will be a Youth League Launched in every County and leaders
elected to ensure smooth running of youth activities as well as ensuring the voice of
the youth is amplified to champion for people-centered governance.
Having such leagues in the counties will help prioritization and implementation of
youth programme and of the existing youth policies and formulation of the same
where need be and this will give the youth an opportunity to air out their challenges,
views and opinions as well as offer solutions.
Youth League Goals
Combat all forms of tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, and other forms of
discrimination affecting the youth.
Promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality and equity.
Promote national values, solidarity, cohesion, peace and social Justice.
Create a united, non-racial, de-ethicized, non-sexist, democratic and
prosperous country.
Contribute to the strengthening of the organic unity of the youth move-
ments.
Mobilise and organize meaningful youth leadership and participation at
communities, counties and national discourse.
37
 Recommendations
1. Kenya Youth Development Policy (2019). Counties
need to invest in the formulation and implementation of
the domesticated version of the KYDP.
2. Access to Information. The National and County gov-
ernment need to amplify access to information on cur-
rent and existing opportunities for youth participation
opportunities.
3. Citizen Engagement. Devolved units of governance
need to prioritize engagement by organizing youth-cen-
tric workshops with a view of building their capacity on
how to best self-organize and convert socioeconomic
ideas into actionable community projects. Allowing more
youth to participate in the budget-making process offers
the youth an opportunity to increase their knowledge
and interest in public policy.
Youth caucuses need to develop youth-centric proposals
and policies and forward them to County Assemblies and
the National Assembly for deliberation.
4. Political Power. More youths need to seek elective offic-
es from the MCA to the Presidential level. Once such po-
litical power is realized, they need to remain true to youth
voice by ensuring policies enacted by the government
are cognizant of the needs and aspirations of youth.
5. Emerging Economies. County Government needs to
speed more resources in securing opportunities for its
youths in emerging economies.
(a) Digital Economy. The digital economy promises
to offer thousands of jobs to youths who have ac-
cess to a personal computer and the internet. GoK,
through the Ministry of ICT, launched the Ajira Digital
Programme to increase awareness on the same. The
programme also trains youth in the digital economy.
The region needs digital centres where the youth can
be trained on digital work by industry players.
(b) Orange Economy. County & National Government
need to invest in Orange Economy that is the Cre-
ative & Cultural Industries. The orange economy has
been a success in Latin America wherein in 2015 it
created US$ 124 billion in revenue and 1.9 million jobs
in the region. Nollywood is the second-largest mov-
ie industry in the world and is valued at over US$ 3.3
billion with over 1,500 movies produced per annum.
38 39

Conclusion
Focus is rapidly shifting towards the young
people as the country gears up for the ref-
erendum and the 2022 elections. There will
be significant political realignment before
then. Lamentably, little is being said about
how to elevate young people into leader-
ship positions despite their providing the
bulk of the votes.
There is a wrong notion that maturity
comes with age in the attainment of lead-
ership in Africa. The youth’s attempt at tak-
ing up leadership roles previously reserved
for their seniors hasn’t been received well
by the older people.
The youth must engage in leadership —
not only to represent their demography
but also to nurture themselves into great
leaders. Ironically, the current crop of lead-
ers was groomed for years but are not ea-
ger to hand over the baton.
Young people have demonstrated their
huge success in other areas, such as inno-
vativeness, yet they rank poorly in running
for public office. This is due to the immense
obstacles such as age limits and ethically
biased political mobilisation. Their success
in the private sector shows they are the
ones driving the economy. A new and bet-
ter Kenya will be achieved only if visionary
youth contest and win political power.
The young people of this country must not
agree to be weighed down by the old ways;
they must create a new path. The country is
waiting for passionate and visionary youth
leaders. The youth of Kenya is an essential
component of the Republic’s development
40
Conclusions
and a key driver in the realization of the ide-
thrive in Kenya. Open data helps
als of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Vision
in ensuring transparency across
2030, and the SDGs. The need for youth to
systems, driving the participa-
take up their roles, and be change agents,
tion of citizens in governance
is the only way to build a better Kenya. Only
and improving service delivery.
when the youth take their rightful place and
Open data is used to track polit-
play their role as active citizens – as solution
ical, social and economic trends,
providers to all societal problems, shall we
improve public services, build
enter the community of nations as a true
trust in government, and pro-
democracy not defined by foreign interest,
mote economic growth.
but the interest of Kenyans. Through the
establishment of the SEKEB Youth League,
In conclusion, emphasis is
we seek not only to enhance youth agen-
placed on the domestication
cy but also to change the cause of history
and implementation of the Ken-
and shape a better future. The rallying call,
ya Youth Development Policy at
“Inquest for expanded freedom and space”
the county level. As envisioned
reminds us of our rights, responsibilities and
by GoK, KYDP is an expression
aspirations as a youth.
of the collective commitment of
concerned stakeholders to har-
Care has to be taken to prevent the youths
ness and optimize the strengths
from slipping into the ills of poor leadership
and opportunities that the
that we have come accustomed to. Through
youth present while addressing
an organized and disciplined youth, our na-
personal and structural barriers
tion can be graced with leaders with fidelity
that affect their productivity.
to the Constitution. A new and better Ken-
Cognisant of the youth being
ya will be achieved only if youth move away
the strength, wealth and driv-
from the vices of the political leadership of
ers of innovation in Kenya, all
the older generation: corruption, politics of
Kenyans must make a concert-
division, greed, enslavement by foreign in-
ed effort to implement the pol-
terests, and other forms of injustices.
icy, whose success shall require
the youth to play an active role
Lastly on open governance, Kenya’s con-
in identifying their respective
stitution, demands that public institutions
needs and take the necessary
allow access to information that they hold.
actions in conjunction and with
Article 35 of the Constitution explicitly gives
support of the relevant stake-
citizens the right to access public informa-
holders.
tion. We now have the Access to Information
Act 2016 enacted. All these instruments of-
fer an enabling environment for open data
which is a key ingredient for development to
41
 Participants
42 43
 Annexe II:
Annexe I Youth Organizations in the SEKEB Youth Leagues
Guest/speakers
No Name Organisation(s)/ Institution County
No Name Organisation(s)/ Institution
1. Aaron Sila Machakos County Youth Assembly Machakos
1 Victor Muniafu Chief Officer, Youth and Sports, Machakos County 2. Andrine Muia Makueni County Government Makueni
3. Breunce Mochoki Magic Reel Pictures Nairobi
2 Dr. Katindi Sivi Founder and Lead Consultant. Long View Consult 4. Charles M. Waweru The Youth Congress Mombasa
3 Claire Davanne Consultant in Social Development and Open Governance 5. Christine Mwende National Youth Council – Kitui Chapter Kitui
6. Damaris Mwendwa Kenya Affirmative Action Media Network Machakos
4 Raphael Obonyo Convener, The Youth Congress 7. Derrick Ngenzi Muthoka Kitui Youth Assembly Kitui
5 Henry Ogola Programme Coordinator, The Youth Congress 8. Elizabeth Muema Kibwezi Hortpreneur Youth Group Makueni
9. Eric M. Mbeva Green Culture Community Initiative Kitui
6 Nicodemus Sakayo Youth president, Machakos County Youth Assembly 10. Francisca M. Mwendwa Katulani Digital Youth Network Kitui
11. Jared Getanda Signs TV Nairobi
12. Joyce Mutemwa Youth in Agribusiness Forum Kitui
13. Karen Munyae Jumuisha Initiative Makueni
14. Luke Kizito Muleka Signs TV Nairobi
15. Mary Mutula Youth for Sustainable Development Machakos
16. Michael Njoroge Magic Reel Pictures Nairobi
17. Nicodemus M. Sakayo Machakos County Youth Assembly Machakos
18. Ramos Komu Help Reach Africa Makueni
19. Stephen Wambua Kyanganga CBO Machakos
20. Winfred Mukosi Youth for Sustainable Development Makueni
44 . 45

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47
 About The Youth Congress

ANNEX II
About The Youth Congress
Origin & Identity
The Youth Congress (TYC) is a registered, youth serving Non-Govern-
mental Organisation (NGO) that provides young people with a plat-
form to articulate their issues, explore opportunities for participation
and leadership to effectively address their interest, concerns, aspira-
tion and engage young people in social, economic and political pro-
cess for development.

The organization emerged in the run-up to the 2007 general elections

in Kenya as part of efforts by youth to seek development and eman-
cipation through political accountability. Just before the elections,
the youth of the then Kasarani Constituency in Nairobi developed
the Kasarani People’s Manifesto, which parliamentary and civic can-
didates had to sign as a show of their commitment to work with the
constituents in bringing about real development. Subsequent events
led to formation and consolidation of The Youth Congress, which has
evolved and is currently present in a number of informal urban settle-
ments and in different parts of Kenya.

Our Vision Our Mission

An inclusive society in which To provide a platform for the
the youth enjoy all rights and youth to improve their status
apply their agency and realize their full potential

Our Strategic Objectives

1. Meaningful participation of youth in Policy-making and imple-
mentation.
2. Meaningful youth participation in leadership and governance
processes.
3. An empowered youth population benefiting from available
opportunities and utilizing their skills and talents for economic
development.
4. An effectively governed and managed organization with ade-
quate resources to deliver its Programme.

48 49
 About The Youth Congress

Our Strategic Approaches Our Programmes

• Capabilities approaches to youth rights.
1. Policy & Research
• Mainstreaming of youth in all processes.
• Community-based work focused on root causes of poverty and marginalization. The Programme aims to realize meaningful participation of youth in Policy-making
• Information sharing, generation of knowledge and nurturing of skills. and implementation. Its expected outputs are: improved knowledge on existing pol-
• Partnership with individuals, groups and organizations with a shared vision. icies and their effect on the youth; one stop information center on the state of the
• Reliance on unity, social cohesion and collective action amongst the youth. youth in Kenya; coordinated advocacy initiatives on youth issues; and increased youth
• Promotion of equity and equality. participation in policy making and advocacy.
• Inclusive and gender-responsive Programme and practices.
2. Youth & Leadership
Our Values The Programme aims to realize meaningful youth participation in leadership and gov-
ernance processes, and to build the next generation of youth leaders with vision and
values. Its expected outputs are: youth in leadership positions and processes; increased
Independence Direction based on internal principles and organs
awareness and capacity of youth to engage in leadership and governance processes;
and youth actively promoting ethical leadership.
Integrity Honesty, accountability, transparency and professionalism in
all undertakings.
3. Youth Entrepreneurship, Talent and Innovation
Volunteerism Reliance on the intrinsic motivation of members.
The Programme aims to realize an empowered youth population benefiting from
Non-discrimination Inclusion of and respect for all regardless of natural, political, available opportunities and utilizing their skills and talents for economic development.
social, cultural, religion, economic or other distinction. Its expected outputs are: young people equipped with entrepreneurial skills; young
people linked to financial opportunities and markets; talent realization and utilization
Relevance Coping with the emerging trends and applying innovation to by the youth; and partnerships and alliances built to advance youth economic devel-
address them. opment.
Resilience Determination and passion in all pursuits.
4. Institutional Development
The Programme aims to realize an effectively governed and managed organization
Our Niche with adequate resources to deliver its Programme. Its expected outputs are: adequate
TYC is a self-driven, community rooted and human rights based movement of the youth resources for smooth and effective implementation of activities; a staff complement
for the youth. It serves as a reliable youth agent, especially for young people in deprived that is competent, passionate, determined and responsive to youth values and agen-
communities who bear the brunt of exclusion and impoverishment. It addresses the di- da; functional partnerships and networks; inclusive, participatory and gender respon-
verse political, social, economic and cultural concerns of the youth through passion, intel- sive Programme; management systems, guideline and policies developed and imple-
lectualism, professionalism and role modeling. TYC relies on community-based mobilisers mented; and functional and inclusive management and governance systems.
to build its membership and access communities. At the same time, it blends and inter-
acts with the government and corporate world without compromising its focus on needy
communities.

50 51
 Our Organisational Structure

Level Implementation Mandate

The General The General Assembly consists of representatives of the various

Assembly organs of The Youth Congress. These include: Secretariat, Advisory
Council, Youth Assembly and partners. The General Assembly de-
fines the overall direction and mandate of The Youth Congress.

Youth This consists of representatives of the various youth organisations,

Assembly forums and networks that work with The Youth Congress Youth
Leagues. It facilitates mobilization, organization and communica-
tion within The Youth Congress and beyond.

The Advisory The Advisory Council serves as the Board to The Youth Congress.
Council It consists of selected persons with expertise in different fields and
who provide strategic advice, guidance, mentorship and oversight
to The Youth Congress on behalf of the General Assembly.

The Secretariat The Youth Congress has a core human complement of staff name-
ly: Convener/Executive Director, Co-convener/Programme Coor-
dinator, Finance Manager, Programme officers and Assistants,
Administration staff and other team members. The secretariat is
responsible for the management of the organisation’s routine
affairs and reports to the Advisory Council and the membership.
Inclusion, gender balance, commitment to gender equality and
technical expertise on gender issues are considered in the recruit-
ment of staff and consultants.

Reference These are ad hoc teams constituted to provide technical services

Teams and assistance to The Youth Congress on specific matters. They
consist of specialists, interest groups and selected individuals.

Partners & These are individuals and organizations that share and support The
Networks Youth Congress. They include; NGOs, Faith Based Organizations
(FBOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), governments,
private sector and development agencies.

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 CONTACTS

Engyo Plaza 4th Floor,

Kariobangi North- off Kamunde Road
P. O. Box 44427 00100 Nairobi Kenya
Tel: +254 799 863 696 / 0770 254 864
Email: info@theyouthcongress.org
www.theyouthcongress.org