NGO launches app to encourage youth participation in devolved administration

The app dubbed Sauti Mtaani, will enable youth engage the leaders on devolved administration. It was launched by the Community and Education Empowerment Center at the Ambassador hotel, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

The launch comes in the wake of a study by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya, which found party structures bar youth from active participation.

The chairman of CMD-Kenya Omingo Magara urged political parties to include youth in their structures saying their inclusion is key to developing a democratic society.

Among the recommendations made by the report include affirmative action to increase the number of youths in party leadership.

"Although the Kenyan youth constitute the biggest chunk of voters, they have not succeeded to harness political power within political institutions, including political parties," the 2015 report states.

Of the 85 county wards in Nairobi, 20 were represented at the launch and committed to encouraging their youth to use the app.

They are Mowlem, Dandora 3, Baba Dogo, Kahawa, Kayole North, South B, Umoja 2, Zimmerman, Landi Mawe, Kangemi, Karura, Mutuni, Ngei, Korogocho, Viwandani, Waithaka, Mlango Kubwa, Laini Saba, Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Lower Savannah.