Turkana County, Kenya – Young people in Turkana County have been urged to take a more active role in Kenya’s electoral process as the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), in partnership with Uraia and with support from the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia, convened a Policy Café on Enhancing Inclusive Electoral Governance Through Youth Led Advocacy and Policy Engagement.
The forum provided a platform for young leaders to examine Kenya’s electoral framework, discuss barriers to political participation, and explore policy reforms that can strengthen democratic governance while creating more opportunities for women and youth to lead.
Speaking during the dialogue, Shamim Arumu encouraged young people to become active participants in democratic processes and civic education.
“As young people, we must actively participate in the electoral process and raise awareness within our communities,” she said.
The discussions, led by Hon. Cecilia Asinyen Ng’itit Ishuu, MP for Turkana County, focused on the constitutional principles that guide Kenya’s electoral system, including the sovereignty of the people, political rights, universal suffrage, and the conduct of free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections.
The forum also examined the challenges that continue to hinder the political participation of women and young people, including discriminatory social norms, limited access to campaign financing, election related violence, and unequal opportunities to pursue leadership positions. The discussions explored practical policy measures that can help address these barriers and promote more inclusive electoral processes.
The dialogue also examined Parliament’s role in advancing electoral reforms that protect political rights, strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability, and expand opportunities for women and young people to participate in leadership and governance. Civic education, public participation, and sustained policy advocacy were identified as essential in building an informed electorate and strengthening democracy.
The Policy Café forms part of ongoing efforts by KEWOPA and its partners to promote inclusive governance by creating spaces for dialogue, strengthening civic engagement, and supporting reforms that ensure every Kenyan has an equal opportunity to participate in the country’s democratic proce