Youth CIVIC Education

Number of new voters trained in Suna West
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Why Generation Z Must Be Mentored and Trained on Civic Space

Generation Z (born approximately between 1997 and 2012) represents the largest and most digitally connected generation in Kenya. With over 75% of Kenya’s population below the age of 35, young people are increasingly shaping public discourse through social media, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic activism. As current and future voters, leaders, professionals, and change-makers, their understanding of civic space is essential for building a peaceful, democratic, and accountable society.

Kenya’s democratic journey has been marked by both progress and periods of electoral conflict. Since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in 1992, election-related violence has claimed more than 3,000 lives, left thousands of people injured, and displaced over one million people across different election cycles. The 2007–2008 post-election violence alone resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, injuries to over 3,500 individuals, and the displacement of more than half million persons, making it one of the country’s most devastating political crises. Beyond the human cost, electoral violence has deepened inter-community mistrust, disrupted livelihoods, destroyed businesses and public infrastructure, and weakened social cohesion in many parts of the country.

Although Kenya has made significant democratic and constitutional reforms, challenges such as political polarization, corruption, hate speech, misinformation, digital manipulation, and youth unemployment continue to expose young people to political exploitation. At the same time, Generation Z has demonstrated growing interest in governance, constitutional rights, transparency, and public accountability, creating an important opportunity to nurture informed and responsible civic participation.

Mentoring and training Generation Z on civic space equips them with knowledge of the Constitution of Kenya, human rights, voter rights, public participation, leadership, digital citizenship, conflict resolution, and the rule of law. It strengthens their ability to critically evaluate information, reject misinformation and hate speech, resist political manipulation, promote peaceful dialogue, and engage constructively across political, ethnic, religious, and cultural differences. Civic education also empowers young people to participate meaningfully in elections, advocate for good governance, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to policy development beyond the ballot.

Youth Hope Builders Initiative (YHBI), through its Y-CARE Civic Education and Youth Empowerment Programme, is passionate about raising a generation of informed, ethical, and resilient young leaders who champion peace, integrity, and democratic governance. The programme delivers civic and voter education, constitutional literacy, leadership development, anti-corruption awareness, peacebuilding, digital literacy, community dialogue, and mentorship to empower young people to become ambassadors of peaceful elections, social cohesion, and accountable leadership.

By investing in Generation Z today, Kenya is investing in a future where elections are defined by informed participation rather than violence, where communities are united rather than divided, and where young people become guardians of democracy, defenders of human rights, and catalysts for sustainable national development.

DON’Ts During and After Elections

  1. Don’t engage in violence – Never participate in political violence, intimidation, destruction of property, or acts that threaten peace and security.
  2. Don’t spread hate speech – Avoid tribal, ethnic, religious, or political messages that promote hatred, discrimination, or division.
  3. Don’t spread misinformation or fake news – Verify information before sharing it, especially on social media, to prevent panic and confusion.
  4. Don’t sell or buy votes – Reject money, gifts, or any form of bribery intended to influence your vote or political decisions.
  5. Don’t allow yourself to be used by politicians – Refuse to be hired as a violent protester, disruptor, or agent of political conflict.
  6. Don’t break electoral laws – Respect election rules, polling officials, security officers, and the rights of other voters throughout the electoral process.
  7. Don’t provoke or participate in conflict – Remain calm, respect differing political opinions, and resolve disagreements peacefully.
  8. Don’t destroy public or private property – Schools, businesses, roads, places of worship, and public facilities belong to the community and should be protected.
  9. Don’t reject peaceful legal processes – If election results are disputed, support constitutional and lawful mechanisms for resolving disputes instead of violence.
  10. Don’t let elections divide you – Elections are temporary, but families, friendships, and communities endure. Respect every person’s political choice, promote reconciliation, and work together to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.

 

Prayer For Youth Commitment

“As young people, we commit to rejecting violence, corruption, hate speech, misinformation, and political manipulation. We will uphold our rights and responsibilities, respect the rule of law, promote peaceful coexistence, and support ethical leadership before, during, and after elections.”

 

NO TO VIOLENCE!

Youth for Peace, Unity, and Democracy

Violence destroys lives, families, communities, and opportunities. As young people, choose peace over conflict, dialogue over hatred, and unity over division. Reject political violence, hate speech, vandalism, revenge, and misinformation. Respect the rule of law, protect public property, and resolve disagreements peacefully. Be ambassadors of peace before, during, and after elections. Together, let us build a safe, democratic, and prosperous nation where every voice is respected and every citizen lives in peace. Peace begins with you!