AN ASSESSMENT LEVEL OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Youth participation in politics is a critical aspect of any democratic society, as it ensures that the voices and perspectives of the younger generation are heard and considered in the decision making processes that shape the nation's future. In Kenya, like many other countries, the level of youth involvement in politics has been a subject of significant concern and interest. However, the youth played a significant role in the struggle for independence and the development of the new nation.

Constitutionally, an individually between the age of 18years to 35 years is regarded as a youth. People under the age of 35 are rarely found in formal political leadership positions (Berinsky, A. and Lenz,2019). Buck (2019), asserts that  eligibility for the national parliament starts at 25 years or higher and it is common practice to refer to politicians as ‘young’ if they are below 35-40 years of age in a third of countries. However, youth are not represented adequately in formal political institutions and processes such as Parliaments, political parties, elections, and public administrations. Despite, constituting to more than 60 percent of the nation's population, Kenya's youth have historically had limited formal engagement in both the electoral and political spheres. Their representation in public policy and decision-making forums has been inadequate. Prior to the introduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s, political disinterest was widespread.

On the other hand, there has been a growing recognition of the need to involve youth in politics. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community have increasingly emphasized the importance of youth participation as a means to promote democratic governance and sustainable development. Further more, the Kenyan government has also made efforts to address this issue, such as the establishment of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, aimed at empowering young people economically and politically(P. Kagwanja, 2016). Additionally, constitutional reforms in 2010 led to the establishment of a devolved system of governance, offering opportunities for youth participation at the county level.

Nevertheless, criminal groups in Kenya's urban areas, primarily comprised of young people, began to emerge around the mid-2000s and were frequently mobilized for political purposes. Some violent youth movements have arisen in recent years, with many young Kenyans being drawn into such politically militant networks. This phenomenon attributed to a combination of factors, including socio-economic conditions, political influences, religious factors, and the manipulation of generational identities. Moreover, parent political parties have often mobilized youth wings to strengthen their coercive strategies. It has also become common for young people outside party structures to receive bribes from politicians to disrupt the political and electoral processes or provide them with an unfair advantage.

Similarly, despite these challenges, the formal political participation of young people has shown improvement. According to Hariton, (2017), there has been a noticeable increase in their participation, particularly as voters since 2010, following the enactment of the new constitution and the implementation of youth-related legislation. However, it's worth noting that some recent efforts to enhance youth political engagement as outlined in the National Youth Policy have faced controversies and allegations of political manipulation and corruption. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya.

 1.2 Statement of the Problem

Youth participation in politics in Kenya has encountered a number of difficulties over the years, such as political exclusion, restricted access to resources, and lack of opportunities for meaningful political discourse. These challenges have contributed to a sense of disillusionment and disengagement among the youth, especially in the political arena.  Additionally, youth who attempt to engage in politics often face threats, violence, and intimidation, discouraging their active involvement. Many young people lack the financial means to launch political campaigns or join established political parties, making it difficult to compete on an equal footing. A significant portion of Kenyan youth feels disenchanted with the political process due to perceived corruption, nepotism, and a lack of transparency. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to  assess the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya. Specifically, the study will;

1.        Determine level of youth participation in Kenya politics.

2.        Ascertain the factors which affected youth participation in Kenya politics during the 2017 general elections.

3.        Determine the extent youth participation influenced electoral outcome during the 2017 general elections in Kenya.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1.        What is the extent of youth participation in Kenyan politics?

2.        What were the factors that influenced youth participation in Kenyan politics during the 2017 general elections?

3.        To what extent did youth participation influence the electoral outcome during the 2017 general elections in Kenya?

1.5  Significant of the Study

 An assessment the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya will be revealed to the government at various level, politicians, electoral bodies, Nigerian youth, political parties and media houses. Also, the findings will be revealed to political candidates and activists to disseminate information about their platforms, policies, campaign events, and achievements. Further more, to the media houses, it will provide a platform for spreading awareness about political issues, mobilizing support, and engaging with a wide audience.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to an assessment the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment the level of youth participation in politics in Kenya. Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths in Nairobi, Kenya.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.8 Definition of Terms

Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.

Youth:  the state of being young.

Participation: the action of taking part in something/ election.

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