Register to Vote
Register to Vote
Campaign rolled out to empower first time voters and mobilize youth vote in 2027
The Youth Congress, a premier youth-serving organization in Kenya has launched a countrywide initiative to mobilize and empower first-time voters.
All indications are that millions of young people will line up to vote in 2027 general election, making this a vital constituency that could decide the outcome of the race.
As Kenya’s General Elections approach, the focus on first-time voters is more crucial than ever. These young individuals will play a key role in shaping the future of Kenya’s democracy. It is essential that they understand their responsibility as voter and are encouraged to cast their votes with integrity.
That is why the Youth Congress countrywide initiative that has been rolled out to empower first time voters through voter education campaign is so important.
The Youth Voice: Activating First-Time Voters for Kenya’s 2027 General Elections implemented by The Youth Congress seeks to provide first-time voters with the knowledge and confidence they need to participate in the electoral process in a responsible way. The campaign includes education sessions conducted in learning institutions and communities where young voters learn about the importance of their vote, the electoral process and how to vote with integrity.
The IEBC is set to officially kick off a nationwide voter registration drive setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle to control nearly six million new voters-predominantly the youth, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration followed by elaborate and tightly scheduled preparatory phase unveiled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission recently.
Speaking at the launch, Raphael Obonyo, co-founder of The Youth Congress said; “Well-meaning young people with Kenya at heart must help mobilize unregistered youth to register in readiness for the 2027 poll.”
“Youth need the backing of all Kenyans, development partners and civil society. Anyone who believes in change that comes through the youth should provide the necessary support including financial or even supply of vote mobilization”
SUBMISSION OF A PETITION LETTER TO KISUMU COUNTY GOVERNMENT ON THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY
The Youth Congress, Kisumu County Youth League representative, Richard Omondi, presents a letter/petition calling for formulation and implementation of county youth development policy, to Ms. Beatrice Odongo, the CEC Member for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth in Kisumu County
On 24th/09/2025, the Youth Congress, in collaboration with its Youth League in Kisumu County, formally submitted a letter to the Kisumu County Government requesting the formulation and implementation of a County Youth Development Policy.
The letter highlighted the urgent need for Kisumu County to establish a policy framework that addresses youth development, empowerment, and participation, especially in light of the recently reviewed National Youth Policy. The appeal emphasized the importance of meaningful youth involvement, intergovernmental cooperation, and cross-sectoral approaches in shaping the policy.
The letter was received in good faith by the Office of the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Sports, Culture, Arts, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Madam Beatrice A. Odongo, who expressed her appreciation for the initiative. Madam Odongo further committed to inviting the organization ICON to facilitate collaboration in the policy formulation process, noting her happiness at the willingness of the Youth Congress to be part of this achievement.
Similarly, the Office of the Governor, H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, through the Chief of Staff, acknowledged receipt of the letter and reassured that the County Government will do all it takes to ensure that Kisumu County develops and implements a Youth Development Policy.
This response reflects the County’s recognition of the importance of structured youth empowerment and its commitment to working with youth organizations and other stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive framework for youth development.
Katiba Edition : A celebration of 15 years of Kenya's Constitution
Raphael Obonyo, Convener, The Youth Congress, delivers opening and welcoming remarks:
Good evening and welcome to the KATIBA EDITION of POETS YOU SHOULD
KNOW.
I’m Raphael Obonyo, co-founder of The Youth Congress, a premier youth serving organization in Kenya.
Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the 15 th anniversary of Kenya’s Constitution.
The Youth Congress has partnered with two remarkable organisations; Creative Spills, an artist collective that brings together writers and visual and performing artists to educate the masses and promote development. Also, we have partnered
with the Elephant; a Pan-Africanist organization, that champions inclusivity and dignity for all-Africans. And we want to thank Alliance Francaise very sincerely for hosting us.
Katiba Day gives us a unique moment to reflect on the journey, take stock of the progress and plan for ways of realizing the promise of the Constitution.
The whole discussion is put in the context of we the people. Looking at our symbiotic relationship with Constitution.
On the one hand; The Constitution gives us power
“The great genius of the Constitution is this: it permits the people to govern themselves by putting the power of government in their hands, by protecting them from those who would take power or liberty from them, and by giving each
successive generation the ability to improve upon the government bequeathed to them by those who came before.”
On the other hand: We give the Constitution power
“Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power — with our participation, and the choices we make. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law.”
People from across the world have been heard saying about Gen Z upraising in Kenya, that young Kenyans are lucky to be able to protest. Truly, that is not true – it is not luck. What is true is that the Constitution gives Kenyans power – right to protest. Equally important, Gen Z through their participation gave the Constitution power. That explains the serious joke that the Constitution was just resting until Gen Z showed up.
We must have a great interest in the making and implementation of the Constitution – to build a strong and a better Kenya. And in this, we are all responsible-every single one of us. Indeed, we must determine our future, as the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, advised when he wrote;
A Psalm of Life
What the heart of the young man told the Psalmist
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day
5 Extraordinary Young Women to Watch
Three Key Findings About the
Kenya's National Youth Council in New Survey
A-Z of National Youth Council Elections
The National Youth Council (NYC)
Elect Youth Campaign and historic wins in Kenya’s 2022 Elections – as The Youth Congress report shows, youth representation improved.
Elect Youth Campaign and historic wins in Kenya’s 2022 Elections – as The Youth Congress report shows, youth representation improved.
The Youth Congress with support from Ford Foundation has been engaging youth and organisations across the country. They have managed to establish a vibrant network with 220 organisations and about 43,890 youth – the largest in the country. The Youth Leagues are working on some of the most pressing issues facing their counties and the country.
Take a look.
Feature
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”- Plato
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