A University Student Leader during a MIDRIFT HURINET facilitated forum on Accountability
One of the key initiatives in MIDRIFT HURINET is dedicated to empowering the youth by enhancing their capacity in constitutionalism.
Through workshops and training sessions, MIDRIFT HURINET educates young people on their constitutional rights and the mechanisms available to uphold these rights.
These sessions cover topics such as understanding the Constitution, petitioning for change, and accessing information for accountability.
For instance, during youth-led engagements in peace and security, such as community dialogues and peace rallies, participants are trained to leverage petitions, memoranda, and access to information to hold elected leaders accountable.
This approach empowers the youth and acknowledges their significant role in governance processes, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision-making forums.
Through its programming, MIDRIFT HURINET emphasizes the importance of youth representation in community structures, such as community security committees and university councils, making them feel included and part of the community's decision-making processes.
Advocating for increased youth involvement aims to foster a culture where individuals are integral to governance and policy formulation.
Through these efforts, MIDRIFT HURINET contributes significantly to strengthening the capacity of Kenyan youth to understand and practice constitutionalism, thereby promoting a more inclusive and participatory democratic society.
While the Constitution of Kenya lays a robust foundation for youth engagement through its provisions, the effective implementation of these mandates remains crucial.
Empowering the youth by upholding constitutional principles is essential for fostering inclusive governance and sustainable development in Kenya.
Article 55 of the Kenyan Constitution serves as a beacon for youth empowerment, mandating the state to implement affirmative action programs that ensure young people access relevant education and training, participate in political, social, and economic spheres, secure employment opportunities, and receive protection from harmful cultural practices and exploitation.
This constitutional provision acknowledges the pivotal role of youth in nation-building and enshrines their rights, fostering a culture of constitutionalism among the younger generation.
By guaranteeing these rights, Article 55 empowers Kenyan youth to actively engage in governance and societal development, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility for upholding constitutional principles.
Through these measures, the Constitution not only safeguards the interests of the youth but also instills in them the values of constitutionalism, ensuring that they become informed and active citizens dedicated to the rule of law and democratic governance.
The Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019, which complements Article 55, was a visionary framework meticulously crafted to harness the immense potential of the nation's youth. By emphasizing empowerment, the policy sought to transform young individuals into catalysts for sustainable development, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills, opportunities, and support to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.
The policy's cornerstone was its commitment to enhancing youth participation across all sectors.
Recognizing the vibrancy and innovation inherent in young minds, it promoted their active involvement in political, social, and economic spheres. This inclusive approach amplifies youth voices and integrates their perspectives into national decision-making processes, fostering a more representative and responsive governance structure.
The policy addressed the pressing issue of youth unemployment by advocating for the creation of quality and sustainable employment opportunities. It underscored the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills and facilitating access to resources, enabling them
to contribute meaningfully to the economy. This strategic focus aimed to reduce unemployment rates and enhance the overall quality of life for the youth.
The policy placed a significant emphasis on health and well-being. It sought to increase the availability and accessibility of health information and services to the youth, ensuring they are well-informed and supported in healthy life choices. This holistic approach acknowledged that a healthy youth population is fundamental to the nation's sustained growth and development.
The Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019 aspired to cultivate a generation of patriotic youth dedicated to transformative leadership by fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and ethical leadership. Its comprehensive strategies aimed to create a crime-free, secure, peaceful, and united Kenya, where the youth are not only beneficiaries but also active contributors to national prosperity.
The policy served as a testament to Kenya's commitment to its young populace, laying a robust foundation for their development and integration into the nation's socio-economic fabric. Through its multifaceted approach, it envisioned a future where empowered youth drive Kenya towards a trajectory of sustainable and inclusive growth.
While the National Skills Development Policy 2023 was introduced to address skill development across various demographics, it complements rather than replaces the Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019.
The National Skills Development Policy focuses on enhancing skills training and development to meet labor market demands.
This policy aligns with the broader objectives of the Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019, which is to empower youth and harness their potential
for sustainable development.
Through Article 260, the Constitution ensures that policies and programs are tailored to address the specific needs and aspirations of the Kenyan Youth.
This recognition empowers the youth to actively participate in governance, economic development, and social transformation, fostering a culture of constitutionalism where their rights and responsibilities are upheld.
Through this inclusive approach, the Country aims to harness its youth's energy, creativity, and potential, ensuring they are integral contributors to the nation's progress and preserving democratic principles.
By
Jacob Karani