Lodwar – 27th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County, in collaboration with NAYA (Network for Adolescents and Youth of Africa), has completed the first-ever draft framework aimed at meaningful youth participation.
The framework aims to promote youth involvement in decision-making processes, addressing issues such as sexual and reproductive health, HIV, and gender-based violence. It also serves as a key resource mobilization tool to secure ongoing support for youth-focused initiatives.
The draft framework was developed following an extensive scoping exercise, which reviewed existing documents and policies that support youth development in the county.
The stakeholders, drawn from health and local youth organisations, collaborated to ensure the framework reflects the needs of Turkana’s youth and aligns with both county and national development goals.
NAYA’s involvement ensured that the framework aligns with national and international standards for youth engagement.
Supported by UNFPA , NAYA had collaborated closely with local youth groups, such as the Maisha Youth Registered, to gather insights and ensure that the framework addresses the specific needs of Turkana’s youth.
“By integrating youth opinions, we are ensuring that their voices are not only heard but that they actively influence the decisions that affect them,” said Alfred Emanman, Director of Public Health.
While participating during the 5-day engagement, Ali Michael, President of Turkana Colleges and Universities Students Association (TUCUSA), stated, “For many of the youth, this framework offers the structure and opportunity we need to influence policies that will shape our future. We are hopeful that this will lead to visible changes in the way youth are included in decision-making processes.”
A representative from NAYA, Sophie Safari, highlighted the importance of the framework in amplifying youth voices.
“By working together with the county and local groups, we are building a foundation where young people can advocate for their rights and contribute to sustainable development,” said Sophie.
The next steps include the formal signing of an MOU by December and a review of the framework’s progress after a year and a half to evaluate its effectiveness in fostering meaningful youth participation.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) on Adolescents and Young People (AYP) was also established to guide the process, bringing together expertise from various sectors to strengthen youth participation and advocacy.
Key stakeholders present at the engagement included representatives from the Department of Social Protection, the Children’s Protection Office, the Turkana Youth Council, and a representative from UNFPA.
