The Registrar J.C. Lorionokou, on 22nd and 23rd June, led youth-oriented reflections with a section of students from the University of Eldoret on political participation, democratic governance, political party regulation, leadership, advocacy, and the role of young people in shaping Kenya’s democratic future under the ORPP “Kikao na Comrades” banner.
In the forum, the Registrar emphasized the importance of proactive platforms that foster a shared understanding of the youth’s role and their contributions to political and credible electoral processes, including their numbers and capacities, such as responsible use of new media and other technologies.
During the forum, students and faculty were sensitized on legal and regulatory frameworks governing political parties, party registration and compliance requirements, political advocacy, digital mobilization, and pathways for transitioning from campus leadership to national leadership.
Drawing from present challenges hindering youth meaningful participation and optimal involvement in political leadership, participants further interrogated practical solutions to address youth apathy, increase voter turnout, and strengthen meaningful youth participation in political and electoral processes.
Before the students’ engagement, the Registrar and team held discussions with the University of Eldoret Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot, with discussions centering on collaborative ways of nurturing democratic governance sparked by informed, responsible, and engaged young citizens.
The forum adds to a series of other similar fora held in various other higher learning institutions. They were coordinated by ORPP’s Partnership and Resource Mobilisation department with support of varied partners including Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Kenia.