Youth participation key to success of devolution
The Covid-19 pandemic and the elections are receding to the background. As a country we now need to pull together and reset, reconnect and refocus on Brand Kenya.
With 68.6 per cent voter approval of the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans ushered in the biggest change in governance structure - devolution.
Enshrined in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, devolution gives powers of self-governance to the people, enhancing their participation in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them. However, this has proved elusive. As anticipated through devolution, this power belongs to those who deserve it most - the youth.
According to the 2019 Census, 35.7 million of Kenya’s population (75.4 per cent) are youth aged between 18 and 35 years, with 32.7 million (68.9 per cent) living in rural areas.
Is this 32.7 million-strong army of young men and women prepared for war? Oh yes, the war of politics, involving many battles for limited resources and battles of ideas. That is why the principle of public participation should be protected.
Article 10(2) of the Constitution enshrines public participation as a national value and principle of governance. Articles 174(c) and 232(d) protect the rights of citizens to engage in decision-making and accountability on issues and matters that affect them.
So, our battalions of youth across the 47 counties must press reset, reconnect and refocus on matters relating to county affairs. When that budget planning forum is called, show up… and come prepared! Make an active effort to understand the process.
Know your rights, duties and responsibilities as a citizen. Do not just stand on the sidelines waiting for the next time your favourite youth leader talks about “forgotten youth” to cheer on the pity party.
Luke 12:48 states: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” The 2010 Constitution gives much to the youth and much is expected of them. Go ye and seek the kingdom of knowledge. Make it your armour.
Get active, engage and demand inclusive and shared prosperity. How do we elevate ourselves to such levels of meaningful engagements? One may ask. Organised youth numbers! Therein lies the magic.
Numbers count in politics. Youth have the numbers albeit fragmented, disillusioned, with a shaky value system, egoistic and, sometimes, lacking in strategy. This army is idealistic, innovative and energetic. With a common vision, a value system and courage of conviction, youth numbers can deliver a bountiful.
Well-informed, active and engaged youth army offering civilian oversight over devolution, can help citizens win the war to realizing shared prosperity.
However, this requires deliberate and sustained efforts in keeping citizen awareness on county budget planning processes, county integrated development plans and a sharp eye on local politics/policies.
Public participation will blossom, attendance will shore up and the monitoring and evaluation resolve will be strengthened, giving life to real shared prosperity midwifed by county governments.
For half of Team Kenya that participated in the August elections and feel that they lost, it is time to reset, reconnect and refocus. Position to help your county deliver, transform and remain accountable.
Do more than just belong. Actively participate in defining and charting a path towards shared prosperity.
—The writer is a youth and good governance advocate
