Governance, Democracy and Civic Engagement
Innovations and actions by young people to influence policy, civic and democratic processes, decision and policy makers and promote accountability.
Innovations and actions by young people to influence policy, civic and democratic processes, decision and policy makers and promote accountability.
Kenya has established strong mechanisms to promote citizens and CSO involvement in governance. Rooted in constitutional sovereignty and the Bill of Rights, which guarantee rights to information, assembly, and voting, the nation protects civic engagement. Furthermore, institutions like KNCHR, NGEC, and NYC were legally established to safeguard the interests of the marginalized.
Despite having independent electoral bodies, Kenya’s democracy faces significant challenges from patronage, digital manipulation, "winner-take-all" politics, and limited participation for marginalized groups, especially young people. Gen Z-led push for constitutionalism, accountability and fair taxation in 2024 offers a unique opportunity to engage for better reforms, protect civic space, and demand transparent, democratic processes.
Being at the forefront in advocating for an inclusive, participatory and open post -2015 agenda process in 2014 and 2015. OAY worked with over 40 youth organizations across Africa to influence the Post 2015 agenda that culminated into the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs). OAY hosted 2 Pan African Youth Conference on Post-2015 Agenda in 2013 and w2014 at the UN Gigiri, Nairobi & gathering 100 young people from 10 different African countries in partnership with UN-Habitat, Faces of Peace, UNDP, PACJA, FEMNET & VSO Jitolee.
Discover Our Ongoing Initiatives that are currently transforming Lives
View Current ProjectsProgrammatic Goal:
Advocating for inclusive gender policies, empowering youth, particularly young women to participate in positions of leadership, run for offices and elimination all forms barriers to democratic culture that are detrimental to young people’s struggle for empowerment and access to equal opportunities.
OAY mobilizes and empowers young people through nonpartisan issue-based platforms convened by and for young people that molds and mentors future political leaders, meaningfully engages them in civic and voter education and democratic processes throughout elections cycle at the National and County levels.
OAY aims to promote democratic culture, electoral integrity and accountability, and engage stakeholders to meaningfully involve and engage with; and prioritize youth issues. The platform mobilizes and empowers youth to meaningfully and rightfully participate in the electoral and democratic process. It also provides relevant electoral knowledge support to aspirants and candidates so that they achieve their aspirations in a dynamic political environment.
We also engage and empower young people to participate in democratic processes that contribute to resilient Economy Health, Education and Governance, while rallying youth leaders to advocate for implement of relevant commitments