By Dennis Gichuiri
Young people have called for greater participation in governance, expanded economic opportunities and stronger support for technology and innovation as Kenya prepares for another electoral cycle.
The call is contained in a communiqué issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, following the 4th National Youth Convening organised by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) at CSLC-Ufungamano House in Nairobi.
Held under the theme “Claiming Space, Shaping Kenya,” the meeting brought together young people and stakeholders to discuss governance, civic participation, livelihoods, technology, innovation and leadership.
The youth said they should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of government programmes or mobilised during elections but as citizens and active participants in shaping the country’s present and future.
They called for governance that is inclusive, transparent, accountable, responsive and centred on citizens.
According to the communiqué, young people want to participate continuously in policy development, public participation, leadership and oversight from the grassroots to the national level.
The youth also urged leaders to uphold integrity and constitutional values while prioritising public interest and responsible use of public resources.
“As young people, we also recognise our own responsibility. If we do not organise we will agonise,” the communiqué states.
Youths Reject Political Manipulation
With Kenya approaching another electoral cycle, the youth called for peaceful, informed and issue-based political participation.
They rejected misinformation, disinformation, political manipulation and ethnic mobilisation, urging young people to verify information and understand electoral processes before, during and after elections.
The communiqué also highlighted technology as an increasingly important part of young people’s lives.
The youth said digital platforms, social media, digital payments and artificial intelligence are creating opportunities in entrepreneurship, employment, education, creativity and civic participation.
However, they warned that access to technology does not automatically translate into access to opportunities.
They cited the high cost of devices and internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, limited digital skills, lack of mentorship and capital and inadequate access to markets and professional networks as some of the barriers facing young innovators and entrepreneurs.
From Hustle to Sustainable Businesses
The youth called for stronger systems to help them transform ideas and daily hustles into sustainable businesses and solutions.
They said young enterprises face challenges including cash flow, customer retention, competition, taxation, record keeping, registration and licensing costs.
Young entrepreneurs without collateral and established networks also struggle to access financing, partnerships and mentorship.
The communiqué further called for greater recognition of the creative economy, including stronger awareness of intellectual property, ownership and royalties.
On artificial intelligence, the youth welcomed emerging opportunities but warned of risks linked to data privacy, digital safety, misinformation, errors in AI-generated information and over-reliance on technology.
They called for digital literacy and responsible use of technology while urging education and skills development programmes to keep pace with technological changes.
Call for Support on Mental Health and Livelihoods
The youth also raised concerns over the pressure caused by unemployment, rising living costs, financial challenges, repeated rejection and changing workplace expectations.
They said some young people hide their struggles behind productivity and social media because of pressure to appear successful.
The communiqué called for stronger support systems, safe spaces for honest conversations, appropriate professional care and livelihood programmes that address young people’s wider wellbeing.
The youth called on the government, private sector, civil society, faith institutions and development partners to invest in practical skills, affordable digital infrastructure, financing, mentorship, networks and markets.
They also said young people are ready to work across generations by combining the experience of older people with the creativity and energy of the younger generation.
“Claiming spaces means more than occupying them. It means using them to create value, solve problems and influence the future,” the communiqué states.
The youth concluded their gathering with a commitment to claim their civic and economic spaces responsibly and play a greater role in shaping Kenya’s future.
