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In Kenya, the principles of devolution promise greater public participation, equitable development, and localized decision-making. Yet, for many young people, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Makueni County, those promises have remained just that—promises. Governance processes often feel distant, complex, or dominated by political elites, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to influence how their county is run.

Makueni Youth Network (MYN) implements a project dubbed as”Youth Leading Change in governance and accountability,” supported by Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) that supports the mobilization, capacity-building and mentorship of young people from Makueni to confront systemic barriers that confront the participation of youth, women and PWDs in democracy and accountability. By mobilizing, empowering, mentoring, and supporting financially, marginalized groups to participate meaningfully in public planning and decision-making, youth from Makueni are building a more transparent, accountable, and people-centered county government.

Empowering the Margins to Lead change

Traditionally, the participation of youth, women, and PWDs in governance and accountability has been hindered by deep-rooted social, structural and cultural barriers. Issues like nepotism, patronage, poor access to information, and the reluctance of public officials to devolve real power often silence the voices of those at the margins.

Youth Leading Change in governance and accountability is tackling these issues head-on by mobilizing, training, and financially supporting grassroots groups led by youth, women, and PWDs. These groups are equipped not only with the right tools to understand how county governance works, but also how to meaningfully engage in it. They are coached on how to draft proposals, navigate public participation forums, submit memoranda and petitions, and demand accountability from duty bearers.

Public Participation That Actually Works

One of the most powerful tools in the devolved system is public participation. But without proper awareness and access, it becomes a mere formality. MYN is shifting this narrative by supporting grassroots mobilization and information sharing before the D-Day of public participation so informed young people can attend these public participation and contribute meaningfully.

In partnership with local youth-led organizations, the project identifies critical entry points where youth and marginalized voices can contribute meaningfully—whether it’s during the formulation of county development plans, budget consultations, or legislative reviews. By supporting these groups to participate collectively, MYN ensures that youth voices carry weight and are not drowned out by more powerful actors.

In several wards, this has led to the successful inclusion of community-prioritized projects in county budgets—ranging from youth resource centers to inclusive healthcare services. These are not just wins on paper; they are tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Training for Sustainable Impact

Capacity building is at the heart of MYN’s governance and accountability efforts. Participants are trained on civic rights, public finance management, policy advocacy, and legal frameworks, giving them a deeper understanding of their roles as citizens. The Initiative also emphasizes soft skills like public speaking, negotiation, and leadership—crucial for navigating and influencing political spaces.

This kind of comprehensive training has resulted in a growing number of young people and women taking up leadership positions in Makueni County Community Development Committees, Project Development Committees, civil society spaces, and even planning vying for political offices in the coming 2027 general elections. The message is clear: when you invest in young people, they can lead change.

Holding Duty Bearers Accountable

Beyond participation, MYN plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability. Through its grassroots network of youth-led self-Help Groups, we monitor the implementation of county projects, intensify the fight against corruption or mismanagement of public resources, and engage duty bearers to account for their actions. In some cases, these efforts have led to halted contracts, project audits, or reallocation of resources to more pressing community needs.

Moreover, MYN uses data-driven approaches to back up its trainings and advocacy. Reports, surveys, and community scorecards are compiled and shared publicly to inform both citizens and decision-makers. By bringing facts to the forefront, the MYN strengthens its position as a credible watchdog and a constructive partner in governance.

Collaboration for Greater Reach

The success of MYN’s inclusive governance work is also due to its strong partnerships and funding from the Kenya Community Development Foundation. MYN also collaborates with national and regional organizations such as Africa’s Voices Foundation, Usawa Agenda, Zizi Afrique Foundation, and other civil society actors. These collaborations bring in technical expertise, resources, mentorship, and broader platforms to amplify local voices.

Importantly, MYN doesn’t position itself as the only actor. It continuously builds alliances with county government departments, local administrators, and community leaders, helping create a culture of co-ownership and trust. This approach has contributed to a more responsive and youth-friendly governance environment in many parts of Makueni County.

A Model for the Future

What the Makueni Youth Network demonstrates is that inclusive governance is not just desirable—it is achievable. When youth, women, and PWDs are given the tools, support, and space to engage, they don’t just participate—they lead. They challenge the status quo, advocate for fairer policies, and become the stewards of their own development.

In a time when many citizens feel disillusioned with politics, the work of MYN is a refreshing reminder that democracy works best when everyone has a seat at the table. And in Makueni County, that table is getting larger, more diverse, and more powerful—thanks to the efforts of youth who believe in something bigger than themselves.

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