Kenyan youth left out of politics- report

Political parties in Kenya have locked out the youth in their activities, a report by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya (CMD-Kenya) has stated.

The report reveals how party structures and practices have denied young people the chance to actively take part in their affairs.

According to the report, titled Youth in Political Party Participation in Kenya Baseline Study-2015, there seems to be a disconnect between the youth and party politics, which could be aggravated by apathy and lack of internal party democracy.

“Although the Kenyan youth constitute the biggest chunk of voters, they have not succeeded to harness political power within political institutions, including political parties,” it states.

The report says often the youth are relegated to the lower and insignificant positions, such as youth leagues, with limited resources and authority to meaningfully influence party decisions.

The report adds that those who get posts owe it to their closeness to power brokers and what they are able to deliver to the political party elite.

CMD-Kenya conducted the baseline survey to determine the level of youth involvement in political parties.

NUMERICAL STRENGTH

The objective was to establish the levels of the youth’s inclusion, their positions, and the quality of their leadership in political parties.

It sought to provide information on youth participation in party activities and processes, including policymaking, representation, party leadership, party campaigns, recruitment of members, communication, voting in party elections, nurturing intraparty democracy and youth organisations.

The report says although 60 per cent of the youth voted in the last general election, the number is much lower than voters who are aged 35 years and above.

It shows membership of youth in political parties, with ODM and UDF leading at 61 and 60 per cent, respectively. However, ODM trails at 18 per cent when it comes to parties that have youth as their officials.

“The youth could be categorised as marginalised in representation in the political processes in the country, especially in leadership positions, including such positions in political parties,” the report states.

CMD-Kenya chairperson Mr Omingo Magara said meaningful participation of youth in political party activities and processes is crucial for building a democratic society.

The former South Mugirango MP challenged young people to come out strongly, build on their numerical strength and fight for their rightful space in political parties.

The report recommended that political parties ensure they comply with the law to end the marginalisation of the youth in managing their affairs and in county and national leadership.

The report also recommended affirmative action to increase the number of young people in party leadership and representative assemblies.