Over 2000 young people attended the 4th edition of PDF, modelled around Youth participation in dialogue on Leadership and Governance. The theme for the PDF 2022 was ‘’Competition and Collaboration in Democratic Development.’’
The three-day event took place on 9th – 11th March 2022 at the Nairobi National Museum where the National Youth Council partnered with the Danish Embassy and Center for Multiparty Democracy – Kenya who hosted the event.
The PDF started in 2019, a dialogue between citizens and its leaders. Topics discussed for this year were relevant to the upcoming general elections which include electoral accountability, unstable political environment and safeguarding digital spaces. Also, extended the topic in areas such as the need of policy makers and political civic actors to engage in important dialogue that champion for Youth inclusion.
The program addressed:
- Leaving no one behind. With guest speaker being Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana who advocated for the Youth to participate in politics and spur development that will enhance youth empowerment to curb unemployment.
2.Issue based dialogue – opportunity which touched on development partners and youth labour dialogue that will harness Youth voice for job creation and opportunities.
- Private sector and youth peace in sustain development dialogue. The festival started with performances from African Traditional dancers, Maono dancers, spoken word artist Poet Tear Drops and other artists who grace the stage by showcasing their talents through art.
Additionally, PDF 2022 included the Sawazisha Gumzo program, which provided the youth with the chance to share their firsthand accounts of mental health-related difficulties they had encountered and how they had overcome them. They received life skills training to enhance their confidence and develop their talents, as well as mentoring to impart the principles that would make them better citizens.
The National Youth Council CEO, Mr Roy Sasaka discussed matters related to Youth engagement in the decision making process and being part of policymakers in the devolved government.
Other partners for the festival were the Government of Kenya, Speaker of National Assembly Honourable Justin Muturi, Women representative of Nairobi County Esther Passaris, The ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, UNDP, NCBA, EABL, Safaricom, One Campaign, Fursa Mashinani, DrinkIQ, Spread Truth Africa, Action Aid, Konza Technopolis and among others in attendance.
Add a Comment