On August 13, 2024, ORPP joined on X-space a section of stakeholders in discussions themed “Revitalizing Democracy through Youth Participation and the Role of Political Parties in Good Governance.”
The head of Legal and Advisory, Wafula Wakoko joined other panelists including Elections Observation Group (ELOG) Marcus Ageng’a, Eustace Kinyua and Mike Muchiri, founder of Civic Rise Kenya and others to lead discussions that brought together youth drawn from diverse representations.
Wafula Wakoko, emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping the democratic process. “Youth are not just future leaders but are key players in today’s governance,” Wakoko stated. He highlighted the importance of political parties in fostering democratic practices and ensuring transparent governance.
ELOG’s Marcus Agenga’s expanded on the concept of youth engagement, discussing its efforts to observe and enhance the electoral process. “Youth involvement is essential for the vibrancy of our democracy. It ensures that diverse perspectives are included and that governance reflects the needs and aspirations of the younger generation,” Ageng’a said.
Mechanisms through which political parties can engage with youth effectively were also discussed. It was also stressed that political parties must adapt to the changing dynamics of voter engagement. “Political parties need to be proactive in reaching out to youth, not just during elections but throughout their political careers. This ongoing engagement helps build trust and ensures that policies are relevant and impactful.” the Moderator said.
The conversation also touched on innovative approaches to increase youth participation, such as leveraging social media platforms for political education and engagement. The panelists agreed that while there are challenges, there are also significant opportunities for revitalizing democracy through inclusive and active youth involvement.
“For democracy to thrive, we must ensure inclusion of every generation, especially the youth who have a voice and a role in shaping governance. Political parties and civic organizations must work together to create pathways for meaningful participation.”
The discussion on X informs a series of other ORPP engagements in youth and the role of political parties in fostering good governance. The insights shared by the panelists provided a roadmap for how democratic systems can be revitalized through active and informed youth participation.