The European Union Youth Sounding Board KE, A New Era of Meaningful Youth Engagement in Kenya
The launch of the European Union Youth Sounding Board ( EU YSB) in Kenya marks a crucial moment in the country’s journey towards fostering meaningful youth engagement. This initiative aims to provide a platform for young people between 18-30 years to actively participate in shaping their future and contribute to the development of their communities.
As the EU Ambassador to Kenya Delegation H.E Henriette Geiger emphasized during the launch, “Youth need to be heard. These young people have unique perspectives and experiences that can offer valuable insights and solutions to global challenges.”
This statement resonates deeply in the context of recent events in Kenya, where young people, often referred to as “Gen Z,” led a powerful movement against the proposed Finance Bill. Their voices were instrumental in influencing policy decisions, demonstrating the immense power of youth engagement when given the opportunity.
However, the Ambassador also highlighted a pressing concern on the continued marginalization of young women and girls in some regions of Kenya. She emphasized that without empowering the young people in all regions, the country’s progress and economic prosperity is at risk.
Giving her sentiments on behalf of FEMNET’s Executive Director, Memory Kachambwa, Maureen Olyaro, FEMNET’s Policy and Programs Manager noted that, “The Youth Sounding Board will serve as a platform for regular consultations, bringing together civil society and the European Union in Kenya.”
Meaningful youth engagement in Kenya involves supporting young people to influence decisions, lead initiatives, and collaborate with institutions. By providing tools, skills, and opportunities, youth drive impactful change in areas like governance, education, and community development.
“I am here today because when I was still a young person, a youth-led initiative gave me the opportunity to engage in these spaces and make my voice heard. It was through this experience that I discovered my passion for advocacy and the power of collective action. Today, I am committed to ensuring that young people have the same opportunities I had to shape their future and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world,” said Florence Syevuo, the Executive Director of the SDGs Kenya Forum.
The highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the 15 – EU YSB members who will be actively engaged shaping in shaping the EU-Kenya development cooperation. The EU YSB members are representing a diverse backgrounds, experiences, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity and regional economics blocs in Kenya. Their participation will ensure that the voices of youth are central to decision-making and that the initiatives undertaken are responsive to their needs and aspirations of the Kenyan youths.
“Meaningful youth engagement means allowing the youths to speak up, providing the ideal environment for their engagement, allowing them to be wild in their creativity (not tamed), giving them opportunities to learn, share, and to be authentic without being negatively criticized,” said Alvin Mwangi, one of the Youth Sounding Board Members from Youth Empowerment Movement.
The launch of the EU Youth Sounding Board in Kenya represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and youth-centered society. The EU YSB will create a vital link between Kenya’s youth and decision-makers, transforming bold ideas into transformative action. This platform will amplify the voices of the youth in Kenya and unleash the innovative power of Kenya’s next generation.
