Participants of the NEXT VOTE initiative posing for a photo with their certifications
The Youth Agenda (YAA), in partnership with the Danish Liberal Youth (Venstres Ungdom (VU), prepared a three-day pilot programme on 26th to 28th August 2026 in Kakamega county for the NEXT VOTE initiative that was intended to prepare young political aspirants for more informed, ethical, issue-based and accountable leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Having been implemented in Nairobi and Kisumu counties, the politically centered training brought together young aspiring leaders for practical engagements on different aspects of leadership, exposing the young aspirants from Kakamega County to practical and engaging sessions aimed at strengthening their knowledge, skills and values as emerging leaders.
While aiming at policy development, ethical leadership, accountability and meaningful youth participation in governance, The Youth Agenda Programmes Officer Brian Sengeli, trainers Joshua Chengwony (Executive Director CRECO Kenya) and Duncan Maigua (Strategic Communications Officer, CRECO Kenya) allowed it for the participants to engage in discussions and practical sessions on constitutionalism, policy development, ethical leadership, accountability and meaningful youth participation in governance.
Training session of the NEXT VOTE initiative going on
Moreover, the training provided a platform for young political aspirants to reflect on the kind of leadership they want to offer to their communities and the country. Participants were, however, encouraged to move beyond politics driven by personalities and short-term interests and instead embrace issue-based leadership that responds to the real needs and aspirations of citizens by actively participating in policy discussions, political processes and decision-making at different levels of government.
As a way of challenging the participants to understand the importance of integrity, transparency, responsibility, and respect for constitutional principles in public governance, the key focus of the training was ethical leadership. The program emphasized the roles that young people can play in Kenya’s democratic and governance processes, rather than viewing the youths’ participation simply through voting.
The participants, however, expressed the need for more opportunities that equip young political aspirants with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively serve their communities at different levels, marking an important step towards building a generation of young leaders who are better and prepared to participate in the forthcoming elections, beyond elections, hence contributing positively to the country’s governance and democratic development.
Through the NEXT VOTE initiative, YAA and VU continue to create spaces where young political aspirants can learn, engage, reflect and prepare themselves for leadership grounded in constitutionalism, ethical conduct, accountability and the issues that matter most to citizens.