National Youth League Convention on Strengthening Inner-Party Democracy

Although youth form the majority in Kenya’s political landscape, they remain underrepresented in party leadership and elected positions. Weak internal party democracy, non-inclusive nomination rules, and manifestos that fail to address their priorities further entrench this exclusion. 

KEPHRA is convening a 2-day convention that brings together 2 youth leaders from 27 counties across the country to review core party documents including the manifesto, nomination rules, and internal structures, to ensure they respond to the needs of the youth, while advancing the broader goal of strengthening inner-party democracy. 

The goal of this convention is to prepare youth leaders to effectively influence party processes by ensuring manifestos, nomination rules, and internal structures reflect inclusivity and democratic accountability. 

Focus areas for the convention will include: 

1. Review of party manifestos for gender priorities.
2. Assessment of nomination rules for fairness and equity.
3. Evaluation of internal party structures and representation gaps.

This will be done through document review, group work, plenary dialogues, and action planning. Expected 

Outcomes include:

• Youth leaders critically analyze party documents through a gender and youth lens.
• Gaps and barriers in the manifesto, nomination rules, and party structures are identified.
• Proposals for reforms towards inclusive and democratic party practices are developed. 

Expected Results include:

• A consolidated set of recommendations for strengthening inner-party democracy.
• Party statutes reviewed in line with the input from the youth league
• Established annual activity plans for the youth league
• 54 youth leaders equipped to engage their party structures with evidence-based proposals.
• Greater readiness of youth to contest and influence decision-making in the 2027 General Elections.

Organizer: Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association (KEPHRA) 

Participants: United Green Movement Party Youth League