Empowering West Pokot Youth:Declares Kenya and Alternative Youth Party

By Brian Njenga Alias Dj Rayyiz

Johannes and Caroline from the Alternative Party taking participants through climate change situation in Denmark PHOTO/Naitaled

Empowering West Pokot Youth:Declares Kenya and Alternative Youth Party Lead Preparatory Study on the level of youth engagement on climate change with Danish Youth Council Support

A focus group discussion with young people at kacheliba PHOTO/Naitaled

Kapenguria, West Pokot — In a region marked by resilience and opportunity, Declares Kenya, in partnership with the Alternative Youth Party Funded by the Danish Youth Council, recently concluded a transformative week-long preparatory study focused on amplifying youth voices in West Pokot. Held from October 12th to 19th,2024, this initiative underscored youth engagement in youth volunteerism and inclusive leadership on climate change in the county.

West Pokot County Governor H.E. Simon Kachapin, His Deputy Robert Komole,Declares Kenya and Alternative Youth Party PHOTO/Naitaled

The study featured a pivotal meeting with West Pokot County Governor H.E. Simon Kachapin, CBS, EBS, who committed his support to the partnership and the upcoming governance and accountability program centred on climate change—an effort that will see local youth at the forefront of shaping sustainable practices and accountability frameworks in the county.

The week included an intensive two-day workshop for 25 youth volunteers, followed by targeted assessments and community-driven discussions, spotlighting key areas where youth could make the most impact. Participants tackled pressing issues, including gender equality, civic participation, and climate resilience; identifying critical insights and solutions that yield the highest impact for the community’s growth.

Caroline Antonsen, a youth volunteer from the Alternative Youth Party PHOTO/Naitaled

Caroline Antonsen, a youth volunteer from the Alternative Youth Party in Denmark, spoke passionately about the shared values that brings Danish and Kenyan youth together. “Youth in both nations have a role in safeguarding the future, and by learning from one another, we can inspire the change we all want to see,” she said, emphasizing the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges at a local level.

Declares Kenya Executive Director, Jefferson Mudaki HSc PHOTO/Naitaled

Declares Kenya Executive Director, Jefferson Mudaki HSc expressed his gratitude for the cross-cultural partnership, noting, “This preparatory study is not just an event—it’s a foundation for a more inclusive, youth-sensitive future for West Pokot County.”

With this week-long study, Declares Kenya and the Alternative Youth Party from Denmark have laid the groundwork for fostering partnership on joint interventions and eventually a project that will foster good governance and accountability through grassroot led, youth-driven change, inspiring communities and the government to invest on the county’s emerging leaders solutions and innovations towards addressing climate change.