Real Youth Agent
The Youth Congress actively participated in the inter–sub-county public panel discussion held in Huruma to mark the 16 Days of Activism, organized by CFK. The forum focused on girls’ empowerment and safety, emphasizing the urgent need to address rising cases of teenage pregnancy and school-related gender-based violence. The Youth Congress also delivered a presentation about the organization and its work on GBV.”
Richard Omondi represented TheYouthCongess (Youth League Kisumu County) at the #SikizanaHub in Kisumu — organized by Uraia Trust in partnership with TEAM and UNDP — where young people are boldly claiming their space in governance! 💪🏾🔥
🌍 Key Governance Components Highlighted:
✅ Active Participation
✅ Strategic Engagement
✅ Policy Influence
✅ Accountability & Transparency
✅ Collective Organization
✅ Leadership & Advocacy
We’re not staying silent anymore.
We’re intentionally stepping into decision-making spaces.
We’re organizing collectively.
We’re presenting real solutions to county leaders — not just airing grievances.
We’re actively influencing policies, not waiting for change to happen.
This is a shift:
From symbolic involvement ➡️ meaningful engagement.
From dissatisfaction ➡️ strategic advocacy.
From “youth should participate” ➡️ “we are the ones driving change.”
And most importantly — we’re documenting every promise made to ensure accountability and follow-through.
The era of passive participation is over. The youth are here — loud, organized, and unstoppable. 🚀
#YouthPowerInAction #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #RisingKisumu #UraiaTrust #LeadingGenZ
@United Nations Development Programme – UNDP
@Uraia
@AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective
@Kenya Youth Association – KYA
@Transform Initiative
@IREX
@European Union in Kenya
@EYES 4 SDGs Project
@North-South Centre of the Council of Europe
@Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya
@County Government of Kisumu
@Lead Initiative Kenya
@Padare Endkulen
Richard Omondi, The Youth Congress representative in Kisumu participated in a three-day stakeholders’ forum organized by URAIA Trust in Partnership with UNDP, which marked the official launch of the “KIJANA RISE Mentorship Programme” under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers.” The initiative targets youth groups across Kisumu County, focusing on Youth Leadership for Change and empowering young people to actively participate in governance and community transformation.
The training, held at Le Savanna Country Lounge Hotel, brought together 16 youth representatives from various organizations for intensive coaching on group leadership and sustainability. Over the three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions that provided practical models for effective group formation, strengthened their leadership and management skills, and deepened their understanding of youth rights, responsibilities, and group dynamics.
The forum also offered a vibrant space for experience sharing and peer learning, enabling participants to exchange ideas and best practices on youth leadership and community engagement. The Youth Congress shared insights on its ongoing advocacy for the formulation and implementation of a Kisumu County Youth Development Policy, an initiative that greatly impressed the facilitators and partners present. The URAIA Trust team expressed their appreciation for this proactive effort and encouraged the Youth Congress to invite them for future collaboration opportunities on youth policy advocacy and related programs.
Overall, the training marked a significant step forward in strengthening youth leadership capacity and reaffirming the commitment to nurturing responsible, visionary, and action-oriented young leaders. The knowledge and connections gained from this forum will go a long way in supporting continued efforts to empower youth to take initiative, assume responsibility, and drive positive change within their communities.
