Young people should disregard alluring pledges, for the Constitution serves as their protector
In the lead-up to the 2027 elections, concerns about politicians disregarding the Constitution in Kenya are growing. This erosion of democratic governance, public trust, and social cohesion is undermining the core constitutional values of accountability, public participation, human rights, and equitable leadership that the 2010 Constitution upholds.
Kenya, a functioning democracy with a robust and progressive constitution, is facing a significant challenge. Youth leader Kailemia from Meru has observed firsthand that many young people lack understanding of their rights, the responsibilities of public officials, and how government institutions function. He warns that the very systems meant to protect citizens could be turned against them with serious consequences if civic education is not prioritized.
Efforts to address these issues are heavily focused on civic education and empowering youth. Civic education is viewed as essential and should be central to democracy because it nurtures a generation that understands and protects the Constitution rather than relying on empty political promises. Organizations like Safe Steps Foundation and others provide various tools to help citizens engage effectively in governance processes.
These tools include simple civic training toolkits to help citizens read budgets, give policy feedback, and engage in public forums. They also offer simulation forums and participatory budgeting exercises, especially targeting youth, women, and people with disabilities (PWDs), to build practical engagement skills. Furthermore, they train community facilitators to help ordinary citizens participate more confidently in governance processes.
In addition to civic education, there are calls for government transparency, accountability measures such as lifestyle audits for leaders, investigations into corruption and state violence, and protection of economic rights (education, health, social services) to uphold constitutional mandates and reinforce the rule of law and public confidence.
Since youth constitute over 60% of Kenya’s population but are underrepresented politically, empowering them through civic education, inclusive forums, and electoral reforms is recognized as vital to strengthening constitutional order and democratic governance.
However, the State's response to youth unemployment has been slow, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) tries to rein in such behavior but lacks prosecutorial powers. There is also a dangerous trend of Parliament compromising its independence, which further complicates efforts to uphold constitutional values.
In conclusion, concerns about politicians disregarding the Constitution arise from threats to democratic values and social justice. Ongoing efforts emphasize robust civic education, youth empowerment, public participation, and government accountability mechanisms to uphold constitutional values in Kenya. Kailemia believes that civic education is essential to protect the Constitution and nurture informed citizens. The lack of civic knowledge among young people is a gap that needs to be filled to ensure a stable and democratic future for Kenya.
- Concerns about politicians disregarding the Constitution in Kenya are growing due to threats to democratic values and social justice, and efforts to address these issues are heavily focused on civic education and empowering youth.
- In addition to civic education, calls for government transparency, accountability measures such as lifestyle audits for leaders, investigations into corruption and state violence, and protection of economic rights (education, health, social services) are essential to uphold constitutional mandates and reinforce the rule of law and public confidence.
- Since youth constitute over 60% of Kenya’s population but are underrepresented politically, empowering them through civic education, inclusive forums, and electoral reforms is recognized as vital to strengthening constitutional order and democratic governance.
- programs like the ones provided by organizations such as the Safe Steps Foundation offer various tools, including simulation forums, participatory budgeting exercises, and community facilitator training, to help citizens engage effectively in governance processes.
- However, the State's response to youth employment has been slow, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) tries to rein in such behavior but lacks prosecutorial powers, and there is also a dangerous trend of Parliament compromising its independence, which further complicates efforts to uphold constitutional values.
