As political temperatures keep on rising ahead of the 2027 general Election, youth leaders in Kwale County have launched a renewed campaign to promote peaceful participation and informed civic engagement among young people through the Kenya Youth Unity in Diversity initiative.
Addressing participants during a youth engagement forum in Ukunda, Kwale county, programme director Alfred Karani, a professional educator, warned that young people are mostly the main target of politicians who end up exploiting the youths to champion for propaganda, which leads to insecurity and violence.
Alfred noted that the initiative focuses on voter education, youth rights, and safe avenues for public participation, aiming to reduce election-related violence by equipping young people with knowledge and practical civic skills.
The National Chairperson, Robert Kinywa, said the programme seeks to reposition youths as active stakeholders in governance rather than tools of political conflict.
He further stated that they will offer training on electoral rights, legislative processes, and structured advocacy, enabling youths to engage constructively on issues such as unemployment, corruption, mental health stigma, and social inequality.
Peris Nyambura, Founder and CEO of World Radiance International organisation, emphasized the responsibility of parents, institutions, and leaders to protect young people by creating inclusive and safe spaces for dialogue, while cautioning against the repetition of post-election-related violence, and urged the government to listen to youth voices.
The programme operates under World Radiance International, a youth-founded organization established in 2007 to advance good governance, ethical leadership, and sustainable livelihoods.
In addition, religious leaders present echoed the call for guidance, unity, and peaceful engagement as Kenya approaches the next electoral cycle.
