Youth Formulate Ways to Champion Continuous Voter Registration and Good Governance
Youth leader appealing to youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. (Photo By Mbungu Harrison)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Mombasa County youth have launched a new grassroots initiative dubbed ‘Vijanaaz Governance Garage’, aimed at promoting good governance, integrity, and increased youth participation in voter registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The campaign, spearheaded by Mary Maina, executive director of the Center for Resilience and Sustainable Africa, seeks to empower young people socially, politically, and economically across the region.
This will done by creating platforms for dialogue, creativity, and civic action.
Speaking during the official launch at Shauri Yako Grounds at Maweni village, Mkomani ward of Nyali Sub-County, he emphasised the importance of youth voices in shaping the country’s leadership and governance landscape.
“When we talk about value leadership, we mean leadership with good integrity, and leadership that values the young people’s contribution.”
The ‘Vijanaaz Governance Garage’ model uses music, art, and open dialogue to engage youth at the ward levels. It aims to provide alternative venues where young people can express their concerns, propose solutions, and hold leaders accountable.
Maina noted that despite widespread disillusionment among young people, especially after participating in the Gen-Z protests, the garage model offers renewed hope for change and civic engagement.
“We know youth have lost hope with leadership, but all is not lost. We have hope for change. We are asking them to register as voters so that they can participate in the polls in 2027.”
A large crowd of youth from Shauri Yako and surrounding areas turned out for the launch, echoing calls for a corruption-free society, inclusive governance, and youth-led empowerment programs.
Some of the youth who spoke at the event expressed their determination to be part of the solution not the problem.
“We have decided to come together as youth to speak for ourselves. We want to deal with our problems head-on by standing out to create solutions by ourselves. Youth have been neglected and this must stop,” said Obura Evans, a youth from Mkomani.
Another youth leader, Fauzia Kassim, urged fellow youth to take advantage of the ongoing mass voter registration exercise being conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We are asking the youth to come out and register as voters so that they can participate in the election and put good leadership in place,” he said.
The initiative also aims to combat drug and substance abuse among youth in areas like Mkomani, where addiction remains a pressing issue and concern.
Obura, a local musician, emphasised the role of art and civic engagement as Kenya prepares for the next election cycle.
“As the political season ahead of 2027 approaches, they must register as voters and participate in the elections to install good leadership.”
The youth called on both national and county governments to urgently address critical challenges such as unemployment, inequality, corruption, and the rising cost of living.
The Vijanaaz Governance Garage is set to be rolled out across the 30 wards in the county, thus providing a unique and youth-led oversight and accountability framework that aims to influence leadership and governance in all 47 counties.
