Young people in Nyamira County were called on Thursday to reject political violence and intimidation and to take up roles as peace ambassadors within their communities. 

The dialogue was held at Nyamira National Polytechnic and led by the Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Dr Purity Ngina, as preparations for the 2027 General Election gathered pace. 

The session examined the barriers limiting the political participation of young people and other Special Interest Groups, including political party nomination practices, the cost of campaigning, accessibility, gender-based violence, technology-facilitated violence and political intimidation, including goonism.

THE ELECTION DATE 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set 10 August 2027 as the date of the General Election, which places the decisions that shape who participates within the current period.

Nyamira’s record carries weight in the discussion. No woman was directly elected to the County Assembly in the 2022 General Election.

Young people were asked to verify information before sharing it, to resist being used to perpetrate violence, and to remain engaged throughout the electoral cycle, from voter registration and civic education to peaceful campaigning, voting and holding leaders accountable. 

County Commissioner Benson David Leparmorijo and officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission attended the dialogue, bringing community voices into engagement with the institutions responsible for the electoral process.

AT THE POLYTECHNIC 

Ahead of the dialogue the Commission undertook a tree-planting exercise at Nyamira National Polytechnic. Dr Ngina was received by the Chief Principal, Mr James B. Kinara, with staff and students.

The Commission said the exercise forms part of its corporate environmental responsibility, and that sustainable institutional growth depends on investment in both people and the environments that support them. 

The dialogues sought to document the experiences of young people, persons with disabilities and minority and marginalised groups on political participation, and to secure commitments to county actions for safe and meaningful participation in the 2027 electoral process.

The session closed with the adoption of the youth instrument of the declaration by Special Interest Groups on inclusive electoral preparations and participation ahead of the 2027 General Election, which commits signatories to promote peace before, during and after the elections and to hold electoral agencies to account.

The Commission said youth participation cannot be measured by attendance on polling day alone, and is measured by whether young people are informed, organised, safe and able to participate, compete and lead free from fear