Youth Convening Calls for Greater Role in Shaping Kenya’s Governance, Economy and Digital Future

By Bruno Aero News Desk

Young people have called for greater and sustained participation in Kenya’s governance, economic development and decision-making processes, saying they must move beyond being mobilised during elections to becoming active participants in shaping the country’s future.

The call was made during the 4th National Youth Convening, held from September 21 to 25, 2026, at Ufungamano House in Nairobi under the theme

Claiming Spaces and Shaping Kenya.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the five-day meeting, the youth said Kenya requires governance that is inclusive, accountable, transparent, responsive and centred on citizens.

They said young people should have meaningful opportunities to participate in policy development, public participation, leadership, oversight and other decision-making processes from the grassroots to the national level.

“Our participation must go beyond being mobilized during elections or being called upon to vote. We want to participate continuously in policy development, public participation, leadership, oversight and conversations that affect our lives and communities,” the communiqué stated.

The youth also called for public institutions that citizens can trust and leadership that upholds integrity, respects constitutional values and remains accountable for the use of public resources.

They, however, acknowledged that young people also have a responsibility to remain informed, organised and engaged in civic affairs.

“If we do not organize, we will agonize,” they said, urging young people to claim their civic space responsibly and remain engaged beyond election periods.

Call for peaceful political participation

with Kenya heading towards another electoral cycle, the youth called for peaceful, informed and issue-based political participation.

They rejected misinformation, disinformation, political manipulation and ethnic mobilisation, warning that such practices can divide young people and communities.

the convening urged young people to understand electoral processes, verify information and participate peacefully and responsibly before, during and after elections.

Technology as a tool for opportunity

The youth also placed technology and innovation at the centre of their vision for Kenya, saying digital tools are increasingly shaping how young people learn, work, communicate, conduct businesses and participate in civic affairs.

They noted that technology goes beyond artificial intelligence and sophisticated systems, pointing to ordinary digital tools such as WhatsApp, digital payment platforms and social media that are already helping young entrepreneurs reach customers and markets.

the communiqué, however, raised concern over barriers including the high cost of devices and internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, limited digital skills, inadequate mentorship, lack of capital and limited access to markets and professional networks

.

The youth called for technology that expands opportunity rather than deepening existing inequalities.

From survival hustle to sustainable businesses

The convening also highlighted the need to transform youth entrepreneurship from survival-driven activities into sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and generating long-term economic value.

the youth said they are not short of ideas, creativity or willingness to work, but require stronger systems to help transform ideas into viable businesses and community solutions.

they cited challenges facing young enterprises, including cash-flow constraints, customer retention, competition, taxation, record keeping, registration, licensing and other operational costs.

They further called for improved access to financing, mentorship, partnerships, networks and markets, particularly for young entrepreneurs who lack collateral and established business connections.

The creative sector was also highlighted, with the youth calling for greater recognition of creative work as a profession and an economic product.

They urged stronger awareness of intellectual property, ownership and royalties to ensure creators can protect and benefit from their work.

Youth urged to prepare for AI-driven future

The communiqué also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, with participants acknowledging its potential to support learning, entrepreneurship, employment, creativity and civic engagement.

At the same time, they raised concerns over data privacy, digital safety, misinformation, errors in AI-generated information, child protection and excessive reliance on technology.

They called for responsible use of AI, stressing that technology should strengthen rather than replace human judgment and responsibility.

The youth also urged education and skills-development systems to keep pace with technological changes, saying young people should not only be prepared to consume technology but should also acquire the skills required to create with it.

Mental health and dignified livelihoods

The convening further drew attention to the pressures facing young people, including unemployment, rising living costs, financial difficulties, repeated rejection, relationship challenges, social expectations and uncertainty in the changing world of work.

Participants said distress among young people is often hidden behind social media, productivity and pressure to appear successful.

They called for stronger support systems, safe spaces for honest conversations and access to appropriate professional care.

the youth also urged stakeholders to address the underlying economic and social conditions that contribute to distress rather than waiting until young people reach crisis point.

Call for investment in youth potential

The youth said government, the private sector, civil society, faith institutions and development partners must move beyond rhetoric about the potential of young people and invest in systems that enable them to succeed.

They called for affordable digital infrastructure, practical skills, financing, mentorship, networks and access to markets.

“We cannot be told to innovate and create while the systems around us remain difficult to navigate,” the communiqué stated.

The youth also emphasised the importance of intergenerational collaboration, saying Kenya can benefit from combining the experience and knowledge of older generations with the energy, creativity and innovation of young people.

the convening concluded with a call for young people to take responsibility for the spaces they seek to occupy and use them to create value, solve problems and influence Kenya’s future.

“Claiming spaces means more than occupying them. It means using them to create value, solve problems and influence the future,”

The convening closed with a declaration that young people would claim their spaces, use them responsibly and work collectively to shape Kenya.