On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 36 young people, youth leaders, governance experts, and aspiring representatives joined the second edition of the Youth Voices in Action Dialogue Series.

Held online through Zoom, the session explored the theme “From Awareness to Action: Engaging Young People Through the National Youth Council in Kenya.”

Youthmakers Hub Kenya organized the activity in collaboration with The Youth Congress and Emerging Leaders Foundation Africa. The dialogue aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of civic participation, democratic processes, and the structures through which youth can influence decisions affecting their communities.

Understanding the National Youth Council 

The first part of the dialogue introduced participants to the history, mandate, structure, and role of the Kenya National Youth Council.

Arnold Maliba, Executive Director at Open Future Hub and a former elected executive member of the Kenya National Youth Council, guided participants through the Council’s establishment and purpose.

He explained how the National Youth Council can serve as a platform for youth representation, advocacy, policy engagement, and communication between young people and decision-makers.

The session emphasized that young people must understand the institutions intended to represent them before they can use those structures effectively. 

Moving from awareness to participation 

A second discussion brought together Mary Gichuki, Youth Governance and Policy Specialist, and Michael Joseph Wafula, National Youth Council aspirant.

The conversation examined some of the challenges young people experience when attempting to participate in governance and decision-making processes. Speakers also discussed the importance of collective youth action and the need for stronger youth representation at local and national levels.

Meaningful participation requires young people to vote, contest leadership positions, join youth organizations, contribute to policy consultations, present recommendations, and take part in decisions that affect their communities. 

Supporting informed and active youth leadership 

Youth Voices in Action II strengthened civic awareness while encouraging young people to take greater ownership of their role in governance, leadership, and policymaking.

The activity contributed to:

• Increasing awareness of youth governance and representation structures;
• Encouraging active participation in democratic processes;
• Supporting youth-led advocacy and collective action;
• Creating pathways for policy engagement; and
• Empowering emerging youth leaders with practical knowledge and connections.

By bringing together young people, governance experts, youth leaders, and emerging representatives, the dialogue created a space for learning, exchange, and action.