- Who is Jeremiah Devlins?
I am a youth advocate and gender equality champion and host of the Semezana Initiative, a platform that facilitates conversations on a range of youth-related issues.
- To what extent do you think the youth are exercising their civic responsibilities?
So far, the youth have demonstrated responsibility by actively exercising their right to register as voters, notably mobilizing one another through initiatives such as Tuko Kadi to increase voter registration. They have also played a role in holding leaders and key institutions like the IEBC and EACC accountable to promote transparency.
- What personal role are you playing to promote civic engagement among the youth? What challenges do you encounter from the youth themselves in the same?
I’ve been mobilizing young people to register as voters across constituencies like Juja, Starehe, and Kitui Central, with over 800 registered voters so far. One of the challenges is that many youths are misinformed or ignorant about the voter registration process, and they often get impatient with long queues at registration centers.
- Which political party are the youth inclined and are the parties supporting the youth to seek elective positions and participate in core decision-making of the Party?
The Linda Wananchi Movement seems to be gaining traction among young people because it is youth-led. But most political parties still don’t offer opportunities for youth to vie for positions or participate in decision-making, as the older generation tends to gatekeep leadership spaces and sideline the youth.
- Were the objectives of the Gen Z movement achieved, and if so, to what extent? Do you think the movement was infiltrated and how best can they strategize?
The Gen Z movement succeeded in many ways because it pushed reforms in governance and increased citizen participation. While not all targets were fully achieved, the movement made significant progress. At the same time, it was infiltrated by government-sponsored actors and politicians aiming to dilute its transformative agenda.
Strategically, the youth need a unified leadership and common ideas that address collective needs. Personal interests should be sidelined to speak with one voice.
- Is Kenya ripe for change and are the youth likely to clinch more seats in parliament and the county assembly?
Definitely, Kenya is ripe for change. Democracy has existed here for over 60 years, and with more youth participating in governance, we are likely to see them clinch more seats in Parliament in 2027. I also hope to see more young women participating and securing positions in both parliamentary and county assemblies.
- Are you vying in the upcoming elections and what position are you seeking? Are the youth receptive to you or other youths, and what support have you received from them thus far?
I won’t be vying for any political position in the upcoming elections. But I support young people around me who are running, and I’ve seen a very receptive attitude from the community towards young aspirants.
- Are you optimistic that the number of registered voters will translate to votes in August 2027?
I am very optimistic that registered voters will show up for the elections. This time, voting is aligned with citizens’ needs and frustrations over the past five years as compared to other electoral cycles. IEBC should be more transparent to regain public trust and ensure smooth systems that demonstrate they are well-prepared for the 2027 elections.
- Do you think youth-targeted projects such as NYOTA, Kazi Mtaani, and Affordable Housing Projects have been successful, if not, what needs to be done?
They’ve been somewhat successful but not sustainable. For example, construction projects funded at less than 50,000 KES and lasting only eight months cannot provide job security or economic stability. The government should create a conducive environment for investors to generate more sustainable jobs, instead of short-term, hand-to-mouth initiatives.
- Do you think that the CSOs are doing enough to empower the youths for effective political participation without political bias?
CSOs are educating and engaging youth by providing civic information and supporting young aspirants through training and workshops. I appreciate their neutrality in promoting organic civic engagement. What more can be done is to ensure they operate in a safe environment without threats or sanctions from the government.
