Youth Political Movements, Governance, and Democracy in Kenya

• Linda Gatavi Muriithi

  Africa Nazarene University Kenya

  Author

• Felix Shihundu

  University of Ankara

  Author

Since pre-independence days, the young people’s agency has played a significant role, shaping Kenya’s political landscape, reframing political and governance discourses, and contributing to the deepening and expansion of the democratic governance spaces in the country. Post-independence efforts to integrate the youth political movements into the social, economic, and political fabric of the country have achieved limited results, with young people’s agency largely remaining excluded, neglected, relegated, and marginalized. Through a historical analysis of the young people’s effective political agency in three main eras, this article generates insights into contemporary understandings and impacts of youth movements on democracy and governance in Kenya. Political process theory sheds light on how the youth movements have capitalized on the existing political opportunities and sought to expand and create new ones to deepen Kenya’s independence, stability, and democracy. The effective organisation and mobilisation of young people’s agency as active co-creators of the social, economic, and political spaces in Kenya continues to have a meaningful impact in the constitutional institutionalization, governance, and democracy in Kenya.

1. Linda Gatavi Muriithi, Africa Nazarene University Kenya

   Linda Gatavi Muriithi is a Master’s student in Governance, Peace, and Security Studies at Africa Nazarene University, Kenya. She holds a diploma in Criminology and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Systems and Security Studies. Her research interests include youth political participation, governance, conflict resolution, and crime in Kenya.

2. Felix Shihundu, University of Ankara

   Felix Shihundu is a PhD candidate in International Relations at the Social Sciences University of Ankara. He holds a BA degree in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from University of Nairobi. His research focuses on security studies, political violence, terrorism, violent extremism, and non-state armed actors. His recent publications include analysis and insights on ‘Understanding the Territorial Logic of Al Shabaab in Somalia.’

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