Kenya has established itself as a political powerhouse in the region since the introduction of the multiparty system in 1992. This is in addition to the 2010 Constitution that further entrenched the multiparty principle by explicitly guaranteeing every Kenyan the right to form, join, and participate in the activities of any political party.   

Currently, there are 96 fully registered political parties in the country, according to the Office of Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). As in many African countries, Kenya contends with weak political and democratic institutions, electoral malpractice, suppression of civil society, patronage, and corruption.   

But perhaps the most significant challenge for the country’s multiparty system stems from tribalism, as political leaders and parties often mobilise support based on ethnicity. In the past, this has led to a divisive political landscape and polarised politics, undermining national unity and cohesion, most notably in election-related violence in 1992 and 2007/2008 that killed hundreds and displaced thousands.  

How Kenyans Perceive the Multiparty System  

Afrobarometer survey findings show that Kenyans have consistently and strongly supported multiparty democracy while rejecting one-party rule. However, a majority say it is acceptable for one party to dominate politically as long as it wins power through free and fair elections.  

Additionally, political party affiliation has declined significantly. Popular trust in political parties remains low, with confidence in the ruling party declining steadily while trust in opposition parties has been on an upward trajectory. While most Kenyans say they voted in the last election, few have engaged directly with political party officials.   

Youth Participation in Politics  

According to the Youth Democracy Cohort, while young people are historically active in Kenya’s public affairs, the country recorded a 5.27% drop in young voters in its 2022 general elections compared with the 2017 general elections.  

Further, young people comprised 35% of the total membership of political parties in the country, significantly increasing their participation in politics through holding elective positions or influencing political parties’ choice of candidates.   

A survey conducted by GeoPoll to gauge youth awareness, participation, and expectations regarding political and governance in Kenya found that 81% of respondents had voted in the last election, while 19% did not. Looking ahead, 94% of respondents indicated they intend to vote in next year’s general elections, demonstrating strong electoral engagement among the youth, expected from the recent youth activism, including the 2024 and 2025 widespread protests.   

Regarding broader political involvement, 53% of respondents follow politics and governance through the media. Another 22% participate in local political discussions, while 16% actively participate in political campaigns.   

However, 7% do not participate, and only 3% hold a political party or public office position. The frequency of political participation also varied, with 36% stating they participate occasionally, 22% rarely, 18% frequently, 17% consistently, and 6% never engage in political activities.   

The motivation for young people to engage in political activities is the desire to create change, with 69% expressing this sentiment. Other motivations include representing their community or group (40%), having a personal interest in political issues (36%), seeking career development opportunities (31%), and being influenced by family or peers (22%).  These findings suggest that many young people see political involvement as shaping their society and influencing decision-making.   

Despite their interest, young people face several barriers to political participation. The biggest obstacle identified was a lack of trust in political leaders and institutions, cited by 61% of respondents. Additionally, 42% pointed to limited opportunities for youth participation, economic constraints, and inadequate access to platforms as significant barriers.   

Another 34% felt that a lack of information about political processes was hindering their involvement. Social and cultural pressures and political apathy were mentioned by 19% of respondents each.   

Perception of Youth Influence in Governance  

When asked whether they feel their voices are heard in political and governance decisions, 45% of respondents said no, while 30% said they are sometimes heard. Only 20% believe their opinions are genuinely taken into account.  

Similarly, when asked whether political leaders adequately represent the interests of young people, 55% responded negatively, while 24% believe they sometimes do.   

Youth Participation and Accountability  

A substantial majority (80%) of respondents believe increased youth participation in governance can lead to greater political accountability. When asked how youth can hold leaders accountable, voting in elections was the most popular response (66%), followed closely by participating in public discussions and debates (63%).   

Other methods of accountability included protesting or participating in activism (50%), engaging in social media campaigns (47%), and reporting issues through official channels (45%).  

Way Forward  

From the findings, while youth are highly interested in politics and governance, barriers such as lack of trust, limited access to information, and economic constraints hinder their full participation.   

To foster youth engagement, government and organisations should invest in leadership training, digital platforms, and financial support for youth-led initiatives. Ensuring representation in decision-making processes and encouraging open dialogue will strengthen youth involvement and accountability in governance.   

These insights serve as a roadmap for policymakers, civil society organisations, and youth leaders to create an enabling environment where young people can actively shape their political future.