Kenya’s 10‑Point Agenda: Civil Society, Youth, and the Path to Inclusive Governance
By The Youth Café
Introduction
Kenya’s political journey has often been defined by moments of contestation followed by dialogue and reform. In March 2025, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding anchored on a 10‑Point Agenda. This pact, endorsed by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sought to foster national cohesion and drive inclusive prosperity.
To ensure implementation, a five‑member committee—COIN‑10—was established in August 2025, supported by a joint secretariat. Its mandate was to oversee the rollout of the agenda, consult widely, and report progress to both party leaders and a joint parliamentary group. Civil society organizations (CSOs) were identified as critical actors in this process, given their historic role in advancing human rights, promoting good governance, and fostering citizen engagement.
The consultative forum convened by COIN‑10, supported by CMD‑Kenya through the Kenya Institutional Strengthening Program, provided a platform for dialogue between CSOs and political actors. This article explores the significance of the 10‑Point Agenda, the role of civil society, and the opportunities for youth‑led organizations like The Youth Café to shape Kenya’s governance future—through the lens of Kenya’s eight regions.
The 10‑Point Agenda: A Framework for Reform
The agenda encompassed ten commitments: full implementation of the NADCO Report; inclusivity in public life; protection and strengthening of devolution; promotion of youth livelihoods; leadership and integrity; safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly and compensating victims of protests; addressing the national debt; fighting corruption; stopping wastage of public resources; and protecting sovereignty, rule of law, and constitutionalism.
Each of these commitments speaks to long‑standing governance challenges. The NADCO Report represented a consensus roadmap for reforms. Inclusivity addressed the perennial issue of exclusion in politics and development. Devolution, a cornerstone of the 2010 Constitution, required renewed protection against centralizing tendencies. Youth livelihoods recognized the demographic reality of Kenya’s population. Leadership and integrity underscored the need to restore trust in institutions. The right to peaceful assembly reaffirmed constitutional freedoms. Debt management acknowledged fiscal sustainability. Fighting corruption and stopping wastage targeted systemic inefficiencies. Finally, sovereignty and constitutionalism emphasized the rule of law as the bedrock of nationhood.
Case Studies: Perspectives from Kenya’s Eight Regions
Nairobi Region: Youth Livelihoods and Civic Participation
In Nairobi, youth organizations highlighted the urgency of addressing unemployment and underemployment. The Youth Café presented evidence of how youth‑led enterprises, when supported by blended finance and governance tools, can create sustainable livelihoods. Civic participation was emphasized as a means of ensuring that youth voices shape policy decisions in the capital city, where national debates often begin.
Central Region: Devolution and Local Governance
In Central Kenya, CSOs underscored the importance of protecting devolution. Local governance structures were seen as critical for service delivery and citizen engagement. The Youth Café facilitated dialogues with youth leaders, demonstrating how devolved funds can be used to support innovation and entrepreneurship in counties like Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nyeri.
Coast Region: Peaceful Assembly and Rights Protection
In the Coast, civil society actors focused on the right to peaceful assembly. Communities that had experienced unrest emphasized the need for compensation mechanisms and protection of constitutional freedoms. Youth groups advocated for civic education to ensure that assemblies remain peaceful and constructive, particularly in Mombasa and Kilifi where demonstrations have historically been frequent.
Rift Valley Region: Inclusivity and National Cohesion
In the Rift Valley, inclusivity was a central theme. CSOs emphasized the importance of ensuring that all communities feel represented in governance structures. Youth Café dialogues highlighted how inclusivity can reduce tensions and foster national cohesion in a region that has often been at the center of political contestation.
Eastern Region: Leadership and Integrity
In Eastern Kenya, youth and CSOs emphasized leadership and integrity. Communities in Machakos and Meru highlighted the need for leaders who embody ethical values. The Youth Café facilitated workshops on integrity in leadership, underscoring the role of youth in demanding accountability from elected officials.
North Eastern Region: Sovereignty and Constitutionalism
In North Eastern Kenya, civil society actors emphasized the importance of protecting sovereignty and constitutionalism. Given the region’s unique challenges, including security concerns and marginalization, CSOs argued that constitutional protections must be upheld to ensure equal rights and opportunities. Youth groups advocated for stronger civic education to empower citizens to claim their constitutional rights.
Western Region: Debt and Fiscal Responsibility
In Western Kenya, CSOs focused on the national debt and fiscal responsibility. Communities expressed concern about how debt affects service delivery and development priorities. The Youth Café facilitated dialogues on fiscal transparency, emphasizing the need for youth to understand and engage with national budget processes.
Nyanza Region: Fighting Corruption and Stopping Wastage
In Nyanza, corruption and wastage of public resources were central concerns. CSOs highlighted how corruption undermines development and erodes trust in institutions. Youth Café initiatives emphasized the role of young people in monitoring public spending and demanding accountability from leaders.
Key Learnings
From the consultative process, several lessons emerged. First, government approvals and political buy‑in are essential for seamless implementation. Second, sustained partnerships among political parties, civil society, and development partners create legitimacy. Third, active participation from citizens, supported by CSOs, ensures that reforms are grounded in lived realities.
Challenges included aligning timelines, ensuring clarity of roles, and extending implementation periods to achieve behavior change. Recommendations for scaling included securing approvals early, referencing evidence from pilots, and embedding reforms in institutional frameworks.
Opportunities for Partners
Scaling the 10‑Point Agenda requires collaboration. Donors can invest in civic education, youth livelihoods, and anti‑corruption initiatives. Governments can integrate reforms into national policies. Civil society can replicate dialogues in new regions. The private sector can support innovation and efficiency.
Partners will benefit from visibility, recognition, and impact. They will contribute directly to strengthening democracy, empowering youth, and building inclusive governance. Most importantly, they will invest in a future where national cohesion and prosperity are shared values.
Conclusion: A Shared Journey of Governance Renewal
The 10‑Point Agenda represents a historic opportunity to address Kenya’s enduring challenges. By engaging civil society, empowering youth, and creating institutional mechanisms for accountability, it offers a pathway to inclusive governance.
The Youth Café’s participation underscores the role of youth‑led organizations in shaping this future. By mobilizing partners, facilitating dialogues, and advocating for reforms, The Youth Café contributes to a movement where governance is not the preserve of elites but a shared responsibility.
Partners are invited to join this journey. Together, we can transform commitments into action, build trust between citizens and institutions, and ensure that Kenya’s governance renewal is anchored in inclusivity, transparency, and constitutionalism—across all eight regions of the country.