The Youth Café participated in a consultative meeting with representatives from the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) at the Forum's offices as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance ahead of Kenya's forthcoming general elections.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to reaffirm their shared commitment to ensuring that young people remain at the centre of the country's democratic processes. Discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration around CAF's upcoming National Youth Conference, which seeks to create a national platform for youth engagement on issues shaping the country's future.
The conference will be anchored on three key thematic areas: democratic governance and electoral participation, youth mental well-being, and the protection of civic space from exclusion and disinformation. It will bring together young people, policymakers, development partners, civil society actors, and other stakeholders through expert presentations, moderated panel discussions, and plenary sessions designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
During the engagement, The Youth Café also explored potential contributions to the conference's elections track, where discussions will focus on strengthening electoral integrity, promoting peaceful participation, and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage constructively in democratic processes. The emphasis on maintaining a diverse and inclusive youth-led space was welcomed by both institutions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration in creating opportunities that empower young people to participate meaningfully in governance, safeguard civic space, and contribute to a more inclusive, informed, and resilient democratic future.
