Photo Caption: More than 250 young Kenyans gathered in Nairobi for a five-day forum focused on governance, innovation, livelihoods and the growing digital economy.
By Benard Mulwa
NAIROBI, Kenya — Young Kenyans are demanding a bigger seat at the
table in the decisions shaping the country’s political and economic future,
as more than 250 youth gathered in Nairobi for the 4th NCCK National
Youth Convening.
Held from September 21 to 25, 2026, at Ufungamano House, the five-
day forum brought together young people under the theme “Claiming
Space, Shaping Kenya”, with discussions centered on governance,
innovation and livelihoods.
Organized by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the
convening sought to give young people a platform to define the issues and
priorities affecting their generation rather than simply responding to
agendas developed elsewhere.
‘Claiming space’ in national affairs
A central message emerging from the gathering was that young Kenyans
want to move beyond being viewed as recipients of government
programmes and development initiatives.
Participants called for more meaningful and active involvement in national
governance, saying young people should have a stronger voice in decisions
that affect their economic opportunities, communities and future.
The discussions reflected growing interest among young Kenyans in taking
an active role in shaping public policy and the direction of the country.
The theme, “Claiming Space, Shaping Kenya,” captured the focus of
the convening: creating room for young people to articulate their own
priorities and participate directly in shaping Kenya’s future.
Digital economy takes Centre stage
The country’s rapidly expanding digital economy was another major area of
discussion.
Participants explored the opportunities presented by technology and digital
platforms, particularly in relation to employment, entrepreneurship,
innovation and livelihoods.
Among those supporting calls for greater youth participation was Canon
Chris Kinyanjui, who has highlighted the need for young people to play a
more active role in governance and the digital economy.
The discussions placed the digital economy within the broader question of
how Kenya can create sustainable opportunities for its youthful population.
From discussion to networking
The five-day programme was not limited to policy discussions.
Participants also took part in panel discussions, cultural performances and
networking sessions, providing opportunities for young people from
different backgrounds to exchange experiences, build connections and
discuss possible solutions to challenges facing their generation.
The combination of policy dialogue and cultural engagement was designed
to strengthen connections among participants while encouraging them to
view themselves as contributors to Kenya’s social and economic
development.
Youth agenda takes Centre stage
Unlike forums where young people are presented with a pre-formulated
agenda, the NCCK convening placed emphasis on allowing participants to
identify and discuss their own priorities.
That approach put governance, innovation and livelihoods at the heart
of the gathering, while giving young Kenyans space to discuss the
opportunities and challenges they face.
The event comes as youth participation remains an important issue in
Kenya’s national conversation, particularly around economic opportunities,
digital innovation and involvement in public decision-making.
By bringing more than 250 young people together, the NCCK convening
sought to turn that conversation into a platform for dialogue, networking
and agenda-setting.
As the gathering closed on September 25, its central message remained
clear: young Kenyans want not only to be heard, but to participate in
shaping the decisions that will define the country’s future.