NCCK Engages Youth on Leadership, Governance and Kenya’s Future

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Young people have called for a greater and continuous role in Kenya’s governance, economic development and decision-making, saying their participation should extend beyond election periods.
The call emerged during the 4th National Youth Convening organised by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which concluded on Friday, September 25, 2026, at CSLC-Ufungamano House in Nairobi.
Held under the theme “Claiming Spaces and Shaping Kenya,” the five-day gathering brought together young people and stakeholders for discussions on governance, civic participation, livelihoods, technology, innovation and leadership. NCCK’s registration information indicated that more than 250 young Kenyan delegates were expected to participate in the convening.
The discussions focused on the need to create meaningful avenues for young people to participate in policy formulation, public participation, leadership and oversight at both grassroots and national levels.
In its communiqué, the youth said they should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of programmes or as a population mobilised during elections, but as citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and active partners in determining Kenya’s future.
The participants also raised concerns about limited employment opportunities, rising economic pressures, challenges facing young entrepreneurs and the rapidly changing world of work.
Technology and innovation featured prominently, with participants highlighting their potential to expand access to information, markets, employment opportunities and civic participation. They also called for systems that can enable young people to translate ideas and innovations into sustainable enterprises and solutions to community problems.
The convening further addressed governance and accountability, with the youth calling for public institutions that are transparent, responsive and accountable to citizens.
As Kenya approaches another electoral cycle, the participants emphasised the importance of peaceful, informed and issue-based political participation. They also expressed concern over misinformation, disinformation, political manipulation and ethnic mobilisation.
The communiqué urged young people to take responsibility for their civic role by remaining informed, organised and engaged beyond election periods.
The gathering also highlighted the pressures facing young people, including unemployment, financial difficulties, social expectations and uncertainty in the changing labour market. Participants called for stronger support systems and safe spaces where young people can seek appropriate assistance while pursuing education, employment and enterprise opportunities.
The NCCK youth forum further called on government, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations and development partners to invest in systems that enable young people to access skills, digital infrastructure, financing, mentorship, networks and markets.
The participants also advocated for stronger intergenerational collaboration, saying the experience of older generations should be combined with the energy, creativity and innovation of young people.
The five-day convening concluded with the youth affirming their intention to take greater responsibility for the spaces available to them and use those spaces to contribute to national development