Youth and Politics in Kenya ‘Are the Youths ready to take on leadership roles?’

The ground is set for the August 9th, 2022 general elections. Are the participants especially the youth in Kenya, ready to dance to the tune? A number of youthful politicians have shown interest to contest for various elective seats, but are they ready to take on leadership roles?

Article 260 of Kenya’s Constitution defines a Youth as a person aged between eighteen (18) years and thirty four (34) years.

Kenyan youthful population is about 75%. They are described as the game changer. It will be interesting to see how they will vote come August 9th. In 2017, general elections, a number of youths clinked elective positions while some were nominated. Some performed beyond expectation, while others remained in the backseat never to be heard. Some were heard but were only mouth peace to their political king pins and party leaders.

The cost of campaign in Kenya is high and has been a thorn in the flesh for youths aspiring for various elective seats. Most of them don’t have the manpower or money to run their campaigns, therefore resolving to most giving up or if they participate, it is a party that will sponsor them, leading to them being loyal and accountable to the party, despite disagreeing to some party positions in matters of governance.

Voter Registration Apathy

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC) reported low voter registration. The commission had targeted to register at least 4 Million new voters but registered 1.3 Million in the just concluded phase two of registration exercise bringing the number to 2.5 Million of total new registered voters. The figures will change once IEBC cleans up the voters register to remove double registry and delete details of voters who have since died.

The low turn out was alluded to many Kenyans not willing to register to vote due to economy constrains, lack of jobs among the youths and low voter sensitisation by IEBC. They felt like the political system does not work for them and any attempt to influence it will be a fruitless exercise.

How many Youth will be in the Ballot?

Despite a number of youths showing interest in politics, we are yet to see many ending up in the ballot. Party primaries and lack of campaign funds will lock youths out. The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021 does not allow politicians to move from one party after becoming a member of a coalition. ‘Amendment to section 7 of the Act that provides that a member of a coalition shall not be a member of another coalition.’ However there is a grace period to register and vie on an independent candidate.

Youths are the game changers, but they are left behind in the political scene. The top presidential contestants are targeting the youthful voters by giving promises. But have young people laid down what they want, do they have representatives to make their demands? All that young people need is leadership that is accountable and can provide jobs for the youths and conducive environment for business.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s and not necessarily of Bwenieve Digital.