Marsabit Youth Convention 2026

Today, I had the honour of attending the Marsabit Youth Convention 2026, convened under the theme:

“Institutionalising Youth Participation in Governance for Sustainable Development.”

The Convention was organised by Initiatives for Progressive Change (IFPC), bringing together representatives from structured Youth Assemblies across the four constituencies of Saku, Moyale, North Horr, and Laisamis, alongside County Departments, civil society actors, and key stakeholders.

Over the past two years, these Youth Assemblies have been established as structured platforms enabling young people to engage constructively in governance, development planning, peacebuilding, and social accountability. The Convention provided an important opportunity to consolidate youth priorities and strengthen formal engagement mechanisms between young people and county leadership.

Discussions centred on four key thematic areas:

 • Youth inclusion and participation in governance

 • Peacebuilding and prevention of extremism

 • Drugs and substance abuse

 • Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

The forum culminated in the presentation of the Marsabit Youth Declaration 2026, outlining practical and actionable proposals aimed at deepening institutionalised youth participation in county governance processes.

The enthusiasm, insight, and commitment demonstrated by our young people reaffirm that sustainable development in Marsabit County must be built on inclusive and structured youth engagement. We remain committed to strengthening frameworks that empower our youth to actively shape the present and future of our County.