THE IMPACT OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL ELECTIONS AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN MAKUENI DISTRICT, KENYA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION Hi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS v

ABSTRACT ix

CHAPTER ONE 1

THE PROBLEM AND iTS SCOPE 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem s

1.3 Purpose of the Study 5

1.4 Objectives of the Study 6

1.4.1 General Objective 6

Specific Objectives 6

1.5 Research Questions 6

L6.1 Geographical Scope 6

1.6.2 Content Scope 7

1.6.3 Time Scope 7

1.7 Significance of the Study 7

1.8 Definition of key words 8

CHAPTER TWO 9

LITERATURE REVIEW 9

2.0 Introduction 9

2.1 The Theory of Assessing Youth Participation 11

2.2 Level of Participauon of the Youth in Local Elections 12

2.2.1 Free casting of votes 12

2.2.2 Political Reforms 13

2.2.3 Registration for voting by youth 13

2.2.4 Political rallies and political party 13

2.2.5 Movement from one party system to multiparty system 14 *

2.2.6 Non-discrimination in elections 14

2.2.7 Interaction and consultation with local authorities 14

2.2.8 Popular Participation .15

2.3 Attitude of the youth about their rights to vote and to be voted 15

2.3.1 Youth needs are not articulated in policy making 16

2.3.2 Public is not conversant with the available human rights agencies 16

2.3.3 Lack of confidence 16

2.3.4 Development is viewed as a state issue other than a public concern 17

2.3.5 Elections viewed as unfair and unnecessary due to irregularity experiences 17

2.3.6 Feelings of inadequacy 17

2.4 Challenges Experienced in youth participation in elections 18

2.4.1 Political Powerlessness 18

2.4.2 Limited number of youth in the political arena 18

2.4.3 Support networks 18

2.4.4 Corruption and the Abuse of Power 19

2.45 Low resourcefulness in terms of physical and fiscal capacities 19

2.4.6 Legal restrictions 19

2.4.7 Educators of youth participation is viewed as opponents 20

2.5 Available opportunities to enhance youth participation 20

2.5.1 Awareness raising campaigns and education 20

2.5.2 Fostering freedom of choice 20

2.5.3 Commitment in respect to the available resources 21

2.6 Conclusion 21

CHAPTER THREE 22

METHODOLOGY 22

3.0 Introduction 22

3.1 Research Design 22

3.2 Study Population and Area 22

3.3 Sample Size 23

3.4 Sample Procedure 24

3.5 Data Collection 24

3.5.1 Sources of Data 24

3.5.2 Research Instruments. Interviews 25

3.6 Data Processing 25

3.7 Data Analysis 26

3.8 Ethical Consideration 26

3.9 Limitations of the Study 26

CHAPTER FOUR .27

PRESENTATIONS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 27

4.0 Introduction 27

4.1 Demographic Distribution of the Respondents 27

4.1.1 Distribution of the Respondents by Gender 27

4.1.2 Distribution of the Respondents by Age 28

4.1.3 Education level of respondents 29

4.2 Level of Youth Participation in Local 30

4.3 Attitude of Youth towards their right to vote and the right to be voted in local

elections 34

4.4 Challenges experienced by youth participation in local elections 38

4.5 Available opportunities which can be adopted to enhance youth participation 41

CHAPTER FIVE 44

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 44

5.0 Introduction 44

5.1 Conclusion 44

5.1.1 Level of Youth Participation in Local Elections 44

5.1.2 Attitude of the Youth about their Right to Vote or be Voted 44

5.1.3 Challenges Experienced by Youth Participation in Local Elections 45

5.1.4 Available opportunities to enhance youth participation in Local Elections 46

5.2 Recommendations 46

5.3 Suggestion for Future Research 47

REFERENCES 48

APPENDICES so

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNAIRE so

APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW GUIDE 54

ABSTRACT 

This study of Assessing the Impact of Youth Participation in Local Elections was carried out among the youth in Makueni district and was aimed at; examining the level of youth participation, their attitude, challenges and available opportunities to improve youth participation. To figure out this problem of the study, the researcher carried out documentary reviewing on the literature on the election process as provided from different authors. The study employed a descriptive exploratory design based on qualitative and quantitative approaches and the researcher obtained data on the variables through use of a questionnaire and interview guide as research instruments. The study findings revealed that; youth in Makueni district participate in the election process by undergoing political reforms to impose demands on government, participating freely in local elections and voting, move freely from one party to another; take up seats reserved to promote youth involvement and enjoy open consultation and interaction with local leaders. The study findings further revealed that the attitude of the youth about their right to vote or be voted in Makueni district is such that, they are capable and firm to challenge elders in local council elections; free to participate in local elections, accept nominations; benefit from youth council. However, youth are challenged by; lack of support networks, high corruption and abuse of power, low physical and fiscal capacities, legal powerlessness and a low representation of the youth in the political arena. But available opportunities were cited in committing respect to the available resources, media campaigns and educational awareness and fostering freedom of choice. The study therefore concluded that, violence and election malpractices remain high in local elections leading to a low willingness to participate. For a better political representation, the problems leading to the presence of election violence and undue influences must be eliminated. The study recommended government and other concerned actors to; provide for alternative measures of sensitizing people into the need for civic education such as seminars, debates, m people of different political ideologies; voting out of corrupt officials; providing foreign media coverage in supervision of elections and protecting civil society groups from intimidation which would lead to youth empowerment.