Registration
YDF 2026 Programme
Two Days of Conversation, Action & Youth Leadership
29–30 October 2026Pwani University, Kilifi County
The Youth Devolution Festival 2026 brings together young people from all 47 counties for two days of electoral preparedness, civic action, political dialogue, peacebuilding, networking and cultural engagement.
Programme outline · Session times and speakers to be confirmed.
02 DAYS03 MAIN KIKAOSONE NATIONAL CONVERSATION
Choose your day
Listed in programme order. Session times will follow when approved.
Day One / 29 October 2026
Youth Electoral Participation, Civic Action and Devolution
Civic learning, shared action and a conversation on the future of devolution.
Welcome
Interdenominational prayers and National Anthem
Civic action
Tree Planting and Mikono ya Amani Wall
Plant a tree, then leave a handprint: a shared expression of hopes, diversity, unity and commitments to peaceful participation.
Culture
Cultural Welcome and Entertainment
Opening
Official Opening Ceremony
Pavilion
Pavilion and Exhibition Tour
Explore exhibitions, youth innovation and partner engagement spaces.
Main Kikao
Kura Yangu Kikao
Youth Voter Readiness and Electoral Participation
Your voice. Your vote. Your responsibility. Practical civic participation before, during and after elections.
- Voter registration and education
- First-time voters and electoral literacy
- Addressing voter apathy
- Meaningful youth participation
- Election preparedness and peaceful voting
Proposed lead partners: IEBC · CMD KenyaParticipation subject to confirmation.
Civic action
Youth Electoral Participation Commitment Session
Turn civic learning into shared commitments for meaningful and peaceful electoral participation.
Networking
Networking
Fireside conversation
From Protest to Policy
Putting Young People at the Heart of Devolution
A candid conversation on moving youth participation from expression and protest into structured policy engagement, public participation, accountability and meaningful involvement in county governance.
Associated institution · Council of Governors
Day Two / 30 October 2026
Political Parties, Young Aspirants, Peace and Cohesion
Political dialogue, peace commitments and a shared national youth outcome.
Main daytime sessions are planned to conclude around 4:00 PM.
Networking
Arrival and Networking
Festival energy
Festival Energizer
Main Kikao
Siasa Safi Kikao / Young Aspirants Forum
Youth, Political Parties, Electoral Integrity and Transparent Leadership
Open pathways to leadership through fair party processes, accountable campaigns and peaceful political competition.
- Party membership and internal democracy
- Youth inclusion and young aspirants
- Transparent, peaceful nominations and integrity
- Dispute resolution
- Campaign financing and political finance accountability
- Issue-based campaigns, ethical leadership and responsible public service
Proposed lead partners: CMD Kenya · ORPPParticipation subject to confirmation.
Pavilion
Pavilion Engagement
Main Kikao
Amani Kwanza Kikao
Youth, Cohesion and Peaceful Elections
Put peace first. Connect communities and prevent young people from being mobilised into violence.
- Youth peacebuilding and social cohesion
- Preventing electoral violence and hate speech
- Early warning and early response
- Inter-community dialogue
- Youth peace ambassadors
- Peaceful political engagement and responsible civic participation
Proposed lead partners: Search for Common Ground (SFCG) · NCIC · Peace and Security PartnersParticipation subject to confirmation.
Youth dialogue
Inter-County Youth Experience Sharing
Bring county perspectives into the national youth conversation.
Co-creation
Co-Creation Circles
Develop recommendations and commitments together.
Communiqué
Youth Electoral Participation & Peace Communiqué Session
Consolidate, present and adopt the national youth recommendations and commitments.
Closing
Official Closing Ceremony
Cross-cutting throughout the Festival
Media & Digital Integrity
Misinformation, fact-checking, hate speech, digital safety, responsible online mobilisation and responsible election communication run through all three main Kikaos.
Explore the three KikaosFrom conversation to commitment
Youth Electoral Participation & Peace Communiqué 2026
The recommendations and commitments generated across the three Kikaos will be consolidated, presented and adopted during the Festival’s final Communiqué session.
Be part of the conversation
Your voice belongs
in the conversation.
29–30 October 2026 · Pwani University, Kilifi County