Kenya’s Youth Declare: “We Will Claim Our Space and Shape the Country We Want”
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
4th National Youth Convening Calls for Youth Inclusion in Governance, Digital Innovation and Sustainable Livelihoods
NAIROBI, September 25, 2026 — Young people have called for greater inclusion in Kenya’s governance, economic and technological development, declaring that they can no longer be treated merely as beneficiaries of decisions made by others.
The call was made at the conclusion of the 4th National Youth Convening, held from September 21 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Claiming Spaces and Shaping Kenya.” The convening brought together young people and stakeholders to reflect on the Kenya they want and the role of the youth in shaping the country’s present and future.
Speaking during the convening, Rev. Carolyne Kiarie said young people are citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and creators who must be actively involved in decision-making.
She said the discussions focused on governance, civic participation, livelihoods, technology, innovation and the challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, economic pressure and limited access to opportunities.
“We came together not simply to talk about young people’s challenges, but to claim our spaces, identify what must change, and commit ourselves to being part of that change,” Rev. Kiarie said.
Youth Demand Better Governance
In remarks by Rev. Silas Rutto, the convening called for a Kenya where governance is inclusive, accountable, transparent, responsive and citizen-centred.
The youth said their participation in national affairs should go beyond being mobilised during elections to vote. They demanded meaningful participation in policy development, public participation, leadership, oversight and decision-making at both grassroots and national levels.
The convening also urged young people to take responsibility for demanding accountability and remaining actively engaged in civic affairs.
“If we do not organize, we will agonize,” Rutto said, emphasising the need for informed and organised youth participation.
As Kenya approaches another electoral cycle, the youth also called for peaceful, informed and issue-based political participation while rejecting misinformation, disinformation, political manipulation and ethnic mobilisation.
Technology and AI as Tools for Opportunity
The convening identified technology as a critical space for young people, noting that digital platforms, artificial intelligence, digital payments and social media are already transforming how young people learn, work, do business and participate in society.
However, participants warned that access to technology does not automatically translate into access to opportunity.
They cited the high cost of devices and internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, inadequate digital skills, limited mentorship, lack of capital and poor access to markets as some of the barriers preventing young innovators from turning ideas into sustainable enterprises.
The youth called for technology that “connects rather than excludes” and creates opportunities without deepening inequality.
From Hustle to Sustainable Enterprises
Speaking on innovation, Claire Njagi said Kenyan youth are not short of ideas, creativity or the willingness to work, but need stronger systems to transform their daily hustles into sustainable businesses.
The convening called for improved access to financing, mentorship, markets, partnerships and business networks, while highlighting challenges such as cash flow, taxation, licensing, registration and competition.
The participants also called for greater recognition of the creative economy and stronger awareness of intellectual property, ownership and royalties to ensure creators benefit from the value of their work.
AI Comes With Responsibility
The youth welcomed the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence but warned against over-reliance on technology.
They called for greater awareness of data privacy, digital safety, misinformation, AI-generated content, child protection and the need for human judgment.
The convening urged young people to become not only consumers of technology but also creators and innovators who use emerging technologies to solve real community problems.
Mental Health and Dignified Livelihoods
Participants also highlighted the growing pressure facing young people, including unemployment, rising living costs, financial difficulties, social expectations and uncertainty about the future.
They called for stronger support systems, safe spaces for honest conversations and appropriate professional support, arguing that young people’s wellbeing must be considered alongside employment and skills development.
A Call to Young People
In her remarks, Rev. Carolyne Kiarie challenged young people to take greater responsibility for shaping the country’s future.
The youth declared that they are ready to participate constructively in governance, policy processes, public participation and accountability.
They also called on government, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations and development partners to move beyond celebrating the potential of young people and instead invest in the systems that enable them to succeed.
The convening concluded with a commitment to strengthen intergenerational cooperation by combining the experience of older generations with the energy, creativity and innovation of young people.
“Claiming spaces means more than occupying them. It means using them to create value, solve problems and influence the future.”
The youth concluded with a powerful declaration:
“This is our space. This is our responsibility. This is our Kenya. We will claim our spaces. We will use them responsibly. And together, we will shape Kenya.”
The communiqué was signed on September 25, 2026, at CSLC Ufungamano House.
The convening also reflected on Philippians 2:4: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
