From 17 to 20 October 2026, 64 participants from across Kenya will gather in Nakuru for the Equality and Inclusion Workshop for Local Opinion Leaders, an initiative designed to assess progress in strengthening women’s and youth participation in political and democratic processes.

Implemented by the Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association (KEPHRA), with Green Forum Sweden as co-signatory organisation, the workshop forms part of the EU-funded WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP).

The event builds on the 2025 Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, which engaged local leaders across 27 Kenyan counties to strengthen their capacities in democratic participation, political engagement and decision-making. Following this initial training, participants carried out local-level activities and mentorship initiatives aimed at supporting women and young people in their communities.

The upcoming workshop will bring together 54 trainers representing the 27 counties, alongside 10 beneficiaries of local-level trainings, providing an opportunity to examine how these activities have translated into practical changes in knowledge, confidence, leadership and political participation.

Through facilitated discussions, experience-sharing and collective reflection, participants will identify achievements, challenges and remaining capacity gaps. Particular attention will be given to documenting personal experiences and success stories, as well as understanding what additional support may be needed to sustain and strengthen local political engagement.

The workshop will also include assessments and an impact review to inform future programme activities. Findings and recommendations will contribute to identifying priorities for continued support ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections, when meaningful participation by women and young people will be particularly important.

Beyond evaluating past activities, the gathering offers an opportunity to reconnect local leaders, strengthen peer learning and recognise the role they play in encouraging more inclusive democratic participation within their communities.

Through initiatives such as this, WYDE Political Parties continues to support women’s and youth political leadership, strengthen grassroots engagement and promote more inclusive democratic processes across Kenya.

Event Details

• Event: Equality and Inclusion Workshop for Local Opinion Leaders
• Dates: 17–20 October 2026
• Location: Nakuru, Kenya
• Implemented by: Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association (KEPHRA)
• Co-signatory organisation: Green Forum Sweden
• Project: WYDE Political Parties – led by ENoP and funded by the European Union
• Participants: 64 participants, including 54 Trainers of Trainers from 27 counties and 10 beneficiaries of local-level trainings
• Main topics: Equality and inclusion, women’s and youth political participation, local leadership, democratic engagement, mentorship and impact assessment
• Expected outcomes: Documentation of programme achievements, success stories, challenges and recommendations to inform continued support ahead of the 2027 General Elections.