The Devolution Conference is Kenya’s premier governance forum, bringing together leaders, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, the private sector, academia, and citizens to reflect on the progress of devolution, exchange ideas, and chart a way forward. Its primary goal is to evaluate how devolution is transforming governance and service delivery, while generating actionable recommendations to enhance equity, inclusion, and social justice.
The 2025 Devolution Conference was held from 12 th to 15 th August in Homa Bay County, under the theme: “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice.”
This year’s conference focused on assessing the role of devolution in advancing equitable development and inclusion, and on bridging socio-economic gaps between counties. It provided a platform for robust dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and joint problem-solving by both state and non-state actors.
TYC AT THE DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE
The Youth Pavilion
For a long time, the Devolution Conference has been perceived as a forum dominated by the ‘big wigs.’
This year, however, things felt different. The Youth Cafe (TYC) introduced something fresh, the Youth Pavilion, a designated space that gave young people their own platform at one of Kenya’s biggest national forums. It was more than just a physical space; it was a hub of energy, conversations, and opportunities.
The Pavilion was made possible through the support of partners who shared in this vision. Safaricom curated the games corner and opportunity corner, where young people could relax, network, and at the same time interact with stakeholders like Ajira Digital and the NYC, who informed them of the opportunities and programs designed for their empowerment.
The Zero Malaria Campaign Coalition sparked conversations through a dynamic social media activation featuring Abel Mutua (Mkurugenzi), Liz Ntoraji, and other champions. This session got young people talking, not just about hashtags, but about how their voices can drive the fight against malaria.
The Pavilion also created space for meaningful conversations on mental health and youth leadership. Led by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the Organization of African Youth(OAY), TINADA, and the National Heroes Council, the sessions highlighted the importance of supporting youth mental health and preparing young people to step confidently into leadership roles.
The Youth Pavilion proved that when partners come together to create intentional spaces, young people don’t just show up; they engage, lead, and inspire. It marked a shift from symbolic presence to meaningful participation, reminding everyone that the voices of youth are not just important for the future, but essential for Kenya’s progress today.
SPOTLIGHT
Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Youth Side Event: Youth at the Centre on Transforming Kenya’s Food Systems
Over at the Youth Side Event, the spotlight shifted to agriculture, and it was far from just another panel of
speeches. Co-hosted with the TYC, the side event placed youth at the center of the conversation on trans-
forming Kenya’s food systems.
Through an interactive hackathon, young people took the mic to speak about the real challenges they face in the agricultural sector, from limited financing and market access to the slow uptake of digital solutions. But they didn’t stop there. They also brought forward fresh, practical ideas and engaged policymakers directly, ensuring that their lived realities and bold innovations were reflected in the national food systems agenda.
The side event also brought together notable leaders, including H.E. Kenneth Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma County and Chair of the Council of Governors’ Agriculture Committee, and H.E. Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, Governor of Kitui County, alongside government representatives, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
At the heart of this event was the message that with the robust integration of technology in agriculture, the
sector can attract more young people, strengthen food security, and unlock new job opportunities for the
youth.
About The Youth Cafe
The African Youth Cafe (TAYC) is a Non Governmental Organization and a network registered under section 10 of the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Act (now Public Benefits Organizations Act ) having been duly registered since April 7, 2014. Its vision is to promote youth-led strategies for achieving transformative change, social fairness, innovative solutions, and sustainable development. The African Youth Cafe is Africa's largest and most diverse convening community of professionals harnessing youth-led potentials and transforming them into sustainable youth-enabled futures. For over a decade, The African Youth Cafe offices have executed more than 45 development cooperation programs backed by 14 distinct donors through service contracts, consultancies, and accountable grants. These initiatives directly engaged civil society organizations in 33 countries. They represent all 12 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and directly engaged civil society organizations and young people in 22 countries in Africa. It engages over 4,500 member organizations, 1,200 subject matter experts, and over 947,000 individuals aged 18 to 35 virtually from every country in Africa. Its broad membership enables TYC to fill the role of incubator and trusted center of excellence for best practices, tools, and standards for youth development. The African Youth Cafe has had operational reach across Africa, and the Nairobi HQ has supported regional focal points in West, East and Southern Africa. Contact: media@theyouthcafe.com and info@theyouthcafe.com