Youth and Peaceful Elections in Kenya

Kate

Description

Elections provide a tremendous opportunity for national transformation and the pursuit of democratic practice. They can be a moment of national renewal. However, in most of Africa elections are often characterized by violent conflict as politicians seek to capture or maintain power through ethnic mobilization, propaganda and misrepresentation. Considering opportunities offered by information technology especially mobile phones and the discovery of extensive natural resources, Africa has an opportunity to significantly change the lives of ordinary citizens. But this transformation requires that youth are fully 'present' in the political, economic, social and cultural arenas. They will need to marshal their energies and stay focused on the things that are important for the continent of Africa. In the case of Kenya, youth should not wait to be invited to take up political leadership. Instead, they will need to invite themselves to the table and take advantage of the opportunity provided in Constitution and demand accountability and transparency in the conduct of national affairs. This book is part of ongoing work at Twaweza Communications in the pursuit of democracy, peace and justice. Themes covered include youth and leadership; elections and peace; youth as peace makers; family and global values among other topics. - See more at: http://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/youth-and-peaceful-elections-in-kenya#sthash.viKqWxE2.dpuf

Informations

• Publié par: Twaweza Communications
• Date de parution: 15 août 2013
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9789966028426
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

PEACE STUDIES SERIES vol 1 YOUTH AND PEACEFUL ELECTION IN KENYA Youth & PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN KENYA

PEACE STUDIES SERIES vol 1

YOUTH AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN KENYA

YOUTH AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN KENYA

Edited by Kimani Njogu

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

© Copyright Twaweza Communications, 2013

Published in 2013 by: Twaweza Communications Ltd. P.O. Box 66872 - 00800 Westlands Twaweza House, Parklands Road Mpesi Lane, Nairobi Kenya website: www.twawezacommunications.org Tel: +(254) 020 269 4409

Design and Layout: Catherine Bosire Cover design: Gideon Kimani

With the support of The Rockefeller Foundation

ISBN:978-9966-028-37-2

Printed by: Franciscan Kolbe Press P.O. Box 468, 00217 Limuru, Kenya Email: [e-mail]

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of Professor Wangari Maathai (1 April 1940- 25 September 2011). Professor Wangai Maathai taught us to treat the earth with respect and kindness for the sake of humanity. Her devotion to the pursuit of a sustainable environment contributed in the democratization of Kenya. Her struggles were not in vain.

Contents

Dedication -----------------------------------------------------------------------------v Acknowledgements --------------------------------------------------------------------ix Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------xi Statement from The Judiciary ------------------------------------------------------xiii Hon. David S. Majanja

PARTONE:Youth Presence in National Agenda Chapter One:Leaders in Kenya:Youth As Transforming Society By Building Bridges -------------------- 3 Kimani Njogu

Chapter Two:

Perspectives on Youth Policies in Kenya --------------------- 36 Margaret Wamuyu

Chapter Three:Socio-Economic Status of Youth in Kenya: Implications for Peaceful Elections --------------------------- 55 Chrispine Oduor Owino

Chapter Four:

Opportunities and Challenges for Participation of Young People in the Electoral Process ----------------------- 69 Suba Churchill

PARTTWO:Youth and Peaceful Elections Chapter Five:Economic Implications of Peaceful and Fair General Elections in Kenya ------------------------------ 81 X.N. Iraki

Chapter Six:

Social Implications of Peaceful and Fair General Elections in Kenya ------------------------------------ 97 Agnes Zani

Contents vii

Chapter Seven:

Role of Political Parties in Ensuring Peaceful and Fair Elections --------------------------------------------------- 108 Njeri Kabeberi

PARTTHREE: Youth, Leadership and Peace Building Chapter Eight:National Peace and Stability: The Role of Kenyans in the Diaspora ---------------------- 121 Olubayi Olubayi

Chapter Nine:

Chapter Ten:

Children of the Post-Colony and Violence: Starting from the Hearth ------------------------------------- 136 Doseline Kiguru

The Role of Youth in Trans-local Peace building among Pastoralist Communities in Northwestern Kenya --------- 148 Willis Okumu

About the Contributors ------------------------------------------------------------176

viii

Youth and Peaceful Elections in Kenya

Acknowledgements

This book is a collection of important and thought provoking papers presenetd at theYouth and the Social and Economic Impact of Peaceful and Fair Elections th th conference held on 6 -8 August 2012. The conference was organised by Africa Health and Development International (AHADI) with the support of Rockefeller Foundation. It brought together participants from academic and civil society institutions in Kenya. During the forum, participants were able to proactively initiate a national dialogue on peaceful and fair elections with the political and economic elite, civil society, faith based organizations, private sector, community leaders and other opinion shapers across the country. It had a particular focus on what youth can do to ensure that the nation does not find itself on the brink of the precipice again. We are grateful to the Rockefeller Foundation Office of Eastern Africa for making it possible for AHADI to work with others to address issues of peaceful and fair elections in Kenya. We are also thankful to the panelists, the participants and the contributors of this book. The AHADI and Twaweza Communications teams deserve gratitude for organizing the conference and coordinating various activities. I am also grateful to Catherine Bosire for designing this publication. May the spirit of sharing knowledge thrive in our midst.

Kimani Njogu Nairobi.

Acknowledgements ix