Homa bay: As the country gears up for the 2025 devolution conference, youth from across Kenya are being encouraged to speak up and shape the future of devolution through a new digital platform dubbed the 'Ugatuzi Wall'.
According to Kenya News Agency, the platform, which is youth-oriented, was created in partnership with the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) and allows the young people to share their views on the progress and shortcomings of devolution ahead of the national conference scheduled for August 12 to 15 in Homa Bay. The Ugatuzi Wall features a QR code that leads users to a Google Form where they can select their county and submit feedback.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, who presided over the launch in the company of youth representatives from the 40 wards of Homa Bay, said the platform is youth-oriented, and emphasized that youth's voices must not only be heard but also acted upon. 'This is a digital platform where young citizens in the country will be able to provide direct feedback on the impact of devolution, highlighting challenges and providing actionable solutions ahead of the upcoming conference,' she said.
She expressed optimism that youth from all 47 counties would actively participate both online, through the digital platform and in person. As a pre-devolution activity and as part of the Roan Antelope Half Marathon, there will be a youth baraza on August 10, themed 'Let's talk, Kenya ni Yetu' which will be held in Ruma National Park.
'We are hoping that youth across the country will come to the park to talk about their country, their expectations, devolution and how we can move our country forward. As a county, we are working with young people who believe there are things that need improvement. We want them to feel that devolution works for them too through this initiative,' she added. Wanga reiterated that the theme for this year's conference is centred on inclusivity, equity, and social justice, and devolution for the people and for prosperity, citing, 'That means no one should be left behind, especially the youth.'
The first day of the conference will also mark the launch of a Youth Policy for Homa Bay County, which Wanga said will define youth engagement with the government and their integration into the administration. Brenda Odhiambo, a youth empowerment officer at SHOFCO, said the information from the wall is expected to help inform policy decisions during and after the conference.
'Our strategy team will analyse the feedback and present it to the Council of Governors as a youth communique during the side event on August 13. After the conference, we will break down the data by county and share it with the respective county governments,' she said. She praised the county government for giving young people a safe space to express themselves through the digital wall.
Youth representatives welcomed this initiative positively with hope and enthusiasm. Lucy Oduor, from Kabondo East Ward, pointed out that the Ugatuzi Wall will help them track how inclusive county governments have been, especially regarding youth and persons with disabilities. Paul Apedha, another youth leader, added that it was time for young people to reflect on devolution's journey. 'We now have a platform to express our grievances and propose solutions. This is a step toward ensuring that youth are involved in development matters going forward,' he said.