Strengthening Civic And Political Engagement Of Young People In Africa | The Youth Cafe

The Youth Cafe's remarks during an In Person Event Organised by Youth Democracy Cohort held in (CST) Costa Rica in advancing respect for human rights. The Youth Cafe in collaboration with The Youth Democracy Cohort organized two events on the 30th of March to address Youth engagement. Both events were held at the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones and are part of the main event of the Summit for Democracy.

The Youth Cafe's statement was focused on Youth and Political Participation in Africa. The speech, delivered by The Youth Cafe's Executive Director, gives a clear picture of the state of youth participation in politics through representation in parliament. In Africa, the youth is from 18-35 years. Africa's population is mainly comprised of the youth with the latest statistics being 75% of the 68 Million Kenyans.

In Kenya for instance, in the 12th National Parliament, the youth constituted only 6.5% of the total members while 19% were in the county assemblies. There has been improvement in the representation in the 13th parliament 17% are elected and represented in parliament. This is good progress.
Many members of The Youth Cafe feel that democracy did not either deliver at all or only slightly delivered (18-29). The youth also feel excluded from the political system with a substantial number of young people stating that the political system only slightly guaranteed equality.

Finally, young people are also concerned about the following points:
o Campaign financing regulation
o Cost of running for politics
o Job opportunities
o Discussions around lowering the voting age
o Funding of the existing youth council to act on youth issues.