Kenya: Youth Agenda (YAA); date founded; names of leaders; activities; treatment by authorities
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 25 November 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | KEN39747.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Kenya: Youth Agenda (YAA); date founded; names of leaders; activities; treatment by authorities, 25 November 2002, KEN39747.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4db915.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Youth Agenda's (YAA) submission to the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) of a Constitutional Agenda by Young People, which was compiled by Danny Irungu, Cecily Mbarire and Enid Muthoni, included the following information about YAA:
What is Youth Agenda (YAA)
The Youth Agenda (YAA), founded in 1996, is an independent national youth initiative that seeks to mobilize people, of ages 18 to 35 years, to participate more positively and meaningfully in nation-building. Youth Agenda works with young people from different parts of the country and from different political, religious and ethnic backgrounds. The efforts are aimed at mainstreaming the agenda of young people.
Mission Statement
Youth Agenda seeks to redefine the role - and to enhance the visibility - of young people in governance and processes in Kenya.
What we want to do
– To make known locally and abroad, things that affect the young people.
– To seek and share knowledge and information.
– To create awareness and understanding on gender among young people.
– To impart positive values to the young generation through training and role modelling.
– To prepare young people to take up leadership roles.
– To celebrate the young people's achievement and contribution to our society.
– Create a forum for young people to share ideas on how to solve the myriad [of] challenges facing them (2001).
However, following its submission to the CKRC, an "official of the Youth Agenda, Mr. John Simekha, who read a statement to the press on the youths' behalf, said the commission deliberately excluded them from the process" of constitutional review (EAS 24 Oct. 2002).
In a letter published by The East African entitled "Mobilising Kenyans to Reject Moi's Succession Plans," Joseph Mutua of YAA states that a "key objective" for members of YAA and the Young Leaders Network is "[t]o establish a youthful leadership and remove the Kanu-National Development Party line-up of Young Turks in the 2002 Moi succession battle" (15 Oct. 2001). Mutua also claims that "Youth Agenda is not a political NGO [non-governmental organization]. ... Its mandate is to act as a think tank for Kenyan youth. It is a project of the Centre for Law and Research International (Clarion). To ensure its neutrality, members in elective positions cease to be active party members, though one can remain an associated member" (The East African 15 Oct. 2001).
On the United Nations of Youth Foundation (UNOY) Website, Jennifer Muthoni Kinyoe is listed as a member of UNOY's African Network of Young Peace-builders (n.d.). According to the UNOY, Ms. Kinyoe "is an active member and Youth Advisor on Peace-building of a youth-based NGO called Youth Agenda in Nairobi, Kenya. Her organisation is currently working in different field activities to promote peace" (UNOY n.d.). Another reference to a YAA member was found in a listing of candidates for the 2002 national elections; Chris Nderi, "an active member" of the Youth Agenda, is reportedly running for election in Nyeri district (EAS 8 Aug. 2002).
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, a "non-governmental, non-profit organization committed to the principles and basic values of social democracy and the labour movement" (12 Nov. 2002a), lists YAA as one of its "partners" (12 Nov. 2002b).
For additional information on YAA, including their programmes, special projects, funding, activities and affiliations please consult the attached document.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC). 2001. "Constitutional Agenda by Young People." The East African. 15 October 2001. Joseph Mutua. "Mobilising Kenyans to Reject Moi's Succession Plans." The East African Standard (EAS). 24 October 2002. "Kenya; Youth Cry Foul Over Role in Review." (Africa News/NEXIS)
_____. 8 August 2002. "Nyeri Town Constituency, Nyeri District." Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). 12 November 2002a. "Friedrich Ebert Stiftung." _____. 12 November 2002b. "FES Partners." United Nations of Youth Foundation (UNOY). n.d. "African Network of Young Peace-builders." Attachment
Youth Agenda (YAA). 26 November 2002. Document attached to correspondence sent by the Executive Officer to the Research Directorate.
Additional Sources Consulted
IRB Databases
NEXIS
Youth Movements of the World
One oral source was unable to provide information on the above-mentioned topic.
Unsuccessful attempts to contact the Centre for Law and Research International, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, and other oral sources.
Internet sites, including:
Africa Confidential
Africa Files
Africa Online
AllAfrica.com
BBC Africa
The Daily Nation
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Kenya Web
United Nations Youth Unit
University of Nairobi
World News Connection (WNC)
Young Women's Christian Association of Kenya (YWCA)
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