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.
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.
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”
“A better way to achieve a huge registration of youth would be for young people to take over the process. By contrast, it is hard to imagine anything more destructive to Kenya’s democracy than large youth constituency that does not register to vote. That would be the victory some politicians most long for” added Obonyo.
The Youth Congress has presented computers to youth organisations as part of its commitment to promoting youth empowerment and development.
As a youth-driven organisation, our goal is to unlock opportunities and empower young people to reach their full potential. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our journey of impact. To date, we have supported over 50 youth entrepreneurship groups with essential equipment to strengthen their businesses—providing not just assistance, but the tools needed for growth and sustainability.
The Youth Congress remains dedicated to advancing youth livelihoods by creating opportunities for sustainable employment, enhancing skills development, nurturing leadership, and fostering positive social impact within communities.
The Youth Congress
Celebrating champions of the Constitution
Katiba Roll of Honour-2025
The Youth Congress proudly recognizes six outstanding individuals for their dedication in championing the Constitution and insoiring societal change through Katiba Roll of Honour-The Youth Congress premier national award and recognition initiative.
Hosted annually by The Youth Congress, the prestigious event celebrates selected honorees for their remarkable efforts in pushing forward, showing what is possible and creating change using the Constitution.
This year, the six honorees 2025 Katiba Roll of Honour were celebrated at the Katiba Day event in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 2025 Katiba Roll of Honor.
1. Pheroze Nowrojee (posthumous)
Pheroze Nowrojee who passed on in April this year, was widely regarded not only for his deep legal intellect but also for his quiet charisma, humility, and sharp analytical mind. He was often described as a lawyer’s lawyer, who pursued justice over grandstanding, and who believed in the sanctity of the Constitution, even in the most turbulent political climates. During Kenya’s darkest political moments, particularly under the one-party regime of the 1980s and 1990s, Pheroze Nowrojee stood firm in defense of human rights and constitutionalism. He represented numerous political detainees, activists, journalists, and opposition leaders who were victims of state oppression.
Nowrojee was the epitome of forthrightness and resilience for the struggle and agitation for human rights in Kenya. For as long as Kenyans have fought for their civil, political liberties and freedoms, Senior Counsel Pheroze Norojee was there, steadfast and unbowed as the People’s Attorney. His thoughts and footprints are in every milestone Kenya has attained, including the Constitution of 2010. And he didn’t stop there, he remained engaged in ensuring full and proper implementation of the 2010 constitution. (Here to receive the award on behalf of Pheroze, who we sadly lost in April this year, his wife Viloo Nowrojee)
3. David Maraga
David Maraga’s boldness and brave stand is nothing less than justice and strict adherence to the law. When the second CJ under the 2010 Constitution declared the re-election of Uhuru Kenyatta, during 2017 presidential election null and void, he stated: “The greatness of a nation lies in its fidelity to its constitution and strict adherence to the rule of law and above all the fear of God.”
Former chief justice David Maraga will be remembered for generations in Kenya and in the global community as one the “giants of the constitution”. In a historic judgment, and a first on the African continent, Kenya’s Supreme Court asserted the place of the constitution supremacy as decreed by the Article1 of Kenya 2010 constitution. The bench led by CJ Maraga as President of the SC delivered a stunning judgment overturning a presidential election of a sitting president.. In the Court’s majority ruling, the electoral commission had committed irregularities and failed to conduct the election in accordance with constitutional dictates and other relevant electoral laws. In 2010 as CJ, he advised the President to dissolve Parliament for failing to attain the constitutional provision that no more than two thirds of any elected or appointed body should be occupied by people of the same gender. Even after leaving office, he has continued to speak out against transgressions of the law and represented victims of state oppression. That is why the CJ Emeritus David Maraga is an obvious choice to be inducted into the Katiba Roll of Honor 2025
4. Wanjira Wanjiru
Our next honoree is a grassroots activist who co-founded the Mathare Social Justice Centre. She rose to prominence on Saba Saba day in 2020, pro-democracy demonstrations, when a video of her defying a police officer went viral. Kenyans were shocked to see a young woman looking at a police officer in in the eye and saying, “I’m protesting because you are killing us.” Her motto is, “When we lose our fear, they lose their power.”
Over the years, and together with other young people in various informal settlements, Wanjira Wanjiru has continued to amplify their struggle and demand for dignified lives, as laid out in Article 43 of the Constitution on economic and social rights.
Wanjira’s bravery and remarkable organization and mobilization for social justice, earns her a place in Katiba Roll of Honor, this year.
5. Shakira Wafula
Our next honoree, came to prominence during the June 2024 Gen Z protests. She was at the forefront of the nationwide movement against the Finance Bill 2024.
Her bold stance against police transgressions during the protests against the Finance Bill that was withdrawn after the national outrage earned her widespread praise. In videos circulated online, she could be heard telling police officers, “I’m here for Kenyans, I’m here for my people, I’m here for your rights. Nitoe!! Nitoe baba! Sitoki!” she told the frustrated officers.
Shakira Wafula has continued to fearlessly speak out for social justice, to organize and mobilize youth to exercise their agency.
Recently Team Shakira, mobilized Kenyans to raise more than 2.8 million to bail out young people detained following June 2025 protests. The initiative launched after the June 2025 and Saba Saba protests, gained momentum online rallying contributions from across the country.
Ladies & gentlemen, join me as we welcome Shakira Wafula into the Katiba Roll of Honor 2025
6. Shikoh Kihika
Our final honoree tonight is the founder of Tribeless Youth Movement in Kenya that seeks to end negative ethnicity that could lead to poll chaos.
The name Wanjiku Kihika is a household name in Nakuru. A name that is very well known in the activism space. Her passion for activism gave rise to Ubuntu Creative Space at Tribeless youth, a space that ropes in young people to discuss matters of governance and educate the community using art, dialogue and storytelling.
She’s been able to foster the pioneer creatives and activism digital media organization that focuses on nurturing and incubating the emergence of upcoming generations who are socially conscious artists, activists, content creators and marginalized group.
While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, past demonstrations have not always been smooth. Many have ended in clashes, arrests, and, in some cases, victims of excessive force by the police. And Shikoh has been helping protesters to prepare for marches and to stay safe and march responsibly.
Katiba Roll of Honor 2025 welcomes Wanjiku Kihika (unfortunately she can’t be with us tonight, but here to receive the award on behalf of Shiko is her sister)
In April 2021, The Youth Congress started igniting the push to realise the now adopted Kakamega county youth policy. The efforts of The Youth Congress helped set forth the conversation and allow the department seek more partners to help actualize the dream. The organisation brought this matter before the office of the governor by submitting a letter and later had a meeting with the Department of Youth, sports and gender under CECM Kassim Were then. Daniel Adikha, The Youth Congress lead in Kakamega County and youth representatives from diverse backgrounds had a very fruitful engagement with the department official together with team from Kakamega County Youth Congress Chapter that included Brian Wamukota, Ibrahim Makokha and Kristine Yakhama at the department office at Bukhungu stadium.
Daniel Adikha was able to lead the team to constructively engage the department and they set out the fire towards making the document a reality .
Daniel later engaged a group of Young people led by Terah Keith under Mzalendo Youth group who were being facilitated by International Republican Institute to help fund and finally actualize the document,thanks to the team they were able to fully map out a strategy that brought together various stakeholders that together delivered the policy.
Kakemega County Governor, H.E. Fernandez Baraza was very instrumental in ensuring the policy was delivered.
Daniel and youth in the county are now working towards making it work by advocating for its full and proper implementation.
