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From 21 to 24 January 2026, youth leaders from across Kenya gathered in Kisumu for the National Youth League Convention on Strengthening Inner-Party Democracy, organised by the Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association (KEPHRA) as part of the WYDE Political Parties initiative .

The convention brought together youth representatives from 27 counties to reflect on how internal party systems can better respond to the aspirations and priorities of young people within political structures.

Reviewing party systems from within

While young people constitute the majority of Kenya’s political landscape, their presence in party leadership and decision-making spaces remains limited. The convention created space for youth leaders to examine key party documents — including manifestos, nomination rules and internal governance frameworks — through a youth and gender lens.

Through structured discussions, group work and plenary dialogue , participants reflected on:

• the fairness and inclusivity of nomination processes,
• representation gaps within internal party structures,
• the alignment of party manifestos with youth priorities,
• and practical reforms to strengthen accountability and internal democracy.

Rather than introducing external models, the process supported youth leaders in critically engaging with their own party frameworks and developing proposals grounded in their lived political realities.

Building capacity to influence party processes

Over the course of the convention, participants deepened their understanding of party ideology, constitutional principles, campaign communication and internal procedures . Discussions were forward-looking, with particular attention to strengthening youth readiness to engage in upcoming electoral cycles.

The convention resulted in:

• consolidated recommendations for strengthening inner-party democracy,
• proposals to refine party statutes and nomination procedures,
• and the development of structured activity plans for youth league engagement.

Importantly, the process reinforced the role of youth leagues not merely as mobilising structures during elections, but as legitimate actors shaping party direction and internal governance.

Supporting youth-led reform from within

Political parties remain central arenas for democratic participation. By accompanying youth leaders as they engage critically with their own party systems, WYDE Political Parties contributes to strengthening inclusive practices from within existing structures.

The Kisumu convention demonstrated that young political actors are not only seeking representation, but actively working to improve transparency, fairness and accountability inside party processes — a critical step toward more resilient and inclusive democratic institutions.

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