Claiming the space: The inclusion and participation of the youth in Kenya's 11th and 12th Parliaments

) The National Youth Council
The National Youth Council (NYC) is established by the National Youth Council Act 97 with the mandate to,
among others, lobby for legislation on issues affecting the youth; act as a voice and bridge to ensure that
the Government and other policy makers are kept informed of the views and aspirations of the youth; and,
promote research, collation and analysis of data on youth issues. 98
With a structure extending to the grassroots where NYC delegates are directly elected by youth in the
counties, the NYC can play a central role in collating issues of concern to the youth and sharing these with
Youth MPs to address them through the various legislative and oversight tools.
c) The Kenya Youth Development Policy (2018)
This policy is part of the national government’s policy commitment for a greater cohesive society,
equitable, inclusive and participatory economic and social process for sustainable development. This policy
supersedes the Kenya Youth Development Policy 2007. It also outlines policies that aim to remove obstacles
to youth participation in political, economic and social development. It provides that the Government, in
collaboration with key stakeholders, has an obligation to provide a supportive environment where youth
leadership abilities can be nurtured, and national values entrenched among the youth. 99
d) Working Groups and Civil Society Organizations
There are various non-governmental organizations that offer support to Youth Parliamentarians through
the various programmes they offer. Such organizations either focus fully on issues revolving around the
youth or have designated programmes to cater for such matters. Among these are the Kenya Youth
Senate, ActionAid Kenya, Africa Youth Trust, Youth Alive Kenya, Siasa Place and Youth Agenda.
The programs run by these CSOs aim to, among others, inspire young people to make positive contributions
to their communities, the nation and to the world; support youth networks and facilitate political participation
by youth living in poverty and exclusion; audit and monitor the execution of policies relating to the youth;
advocate for youth responsive policies and legislation; document and gather information on youthgeared
policies; build the capacity of youth leaders and youth groups to engage county governments and
demand their inclusion in decision-making; and to empower the youth to demand transparency and good
governance from their leaders.
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