Youth empowerment: A catalyst for change in political landscape

By Robert Mutasi 

The large population demographic in Kenya are of youths, which have been influenced by the changing political dispensation. 

This population has influenced the swell of activism that have been witnessed before, demanding political accountability. 

In Kenya, many young people have taken to the streets to mobilise protests against key issues such as corruption, unemployment especially among youths and lack of proper access to health care services. 

On the other hand, in Nigeria protests erupted with a slogan of the 200#EndSARS protests. This is because there was police brutality and poor governance.This influenced Kenyan youths and activists to take action fearless. 

Many youths have realized that this is the right time to put government on toes since they are the main victims in the country. 

These movements have inspired many young people and now the adults and other local leaders are joining them. 

They have found social media platforms as the best tools to mobilize and practice activism. 

According to the report of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, youths in Kenya are on the rise of using social media to raise their voice, thus pressurising government to be accountable. 

The involvement of youth in political discourse are increasing. 

As per a 2022 survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 60% of the respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 years expressed high interest in politics. 

Youth have expanded their activism influence from online to active community leadership in initiatives promoting civic engagement. 

This activism spirit of mobilization has led to the creation of groups like "Mzalendo" and " Uchaguzi 2022". These are organisations centered on informing young people about their electoral rights. 

When you empower youth in Kenya is the same as building a strong democracy. 

To minimise the ongoing challenges among youths, governments and other organisations should establish avenues to support their political participation through training programs. These platforms will amplify young people's voices.