An Interview with Youth Kenyan Political candidate, Daniel Orogo
At Democracy Moves, we’re eager to support young people around the world running for political office. As we noted in our recent report, Walking the Walk, one of the key challenges of youth political engagement in the moment is that young people do not see themselves represented in the formal walls of government.
We sat down with Daniel Orogo, a young Kenyan activist, and the founder of the Langata Youth Network, who is running for County Assembly in his native Kibera region in Kenya. See below for his thoughts:
1. What office are you running for? What are the obligations and responsibilities of that office?
Am vying for Member of Nairobi City County Assembly (MCA) representing Sarangombe Ward, Kibera Constituency.
As a member of County Assembly, am obligated to represent the people of Sarangombe, pass pieces of legislation and to oversight the Nairobi County Executive. Furthermore it is my duty to promote and defend rights of Kibera citizens by ensuring service delivery on the basic necessities like water and sanitation, creation of job opportunities for youth and ensuring peace and security amongst the residents
2) Why did you decide to run for office? Why are you qualified for the position?
I have served as founder and Chairperson for Langata Youth Network. Strikingly, at the height of illegal evictions in Kibera in 2018, I organized and collaborated with members of the community to stop the forceful evictions. Further, the pressure group advocated for commensurate compensation and resettlement of over 1200 residents who had been left homeless.
Additionally, to ensure access to quality healthcare especially to People living with HIV and Aids in Kibera, I played a key role in the launch of the Bomu Medical Centre in Langata in 2012. In the same breath I pioneered the USAID Global Communities International Kenya and the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Kibera; conflict dialogue mediation program that enhanced cohesion and ethnic coexistence in Kibera after the post-election violence in 2017. With these leadership experience and community service for a decade, I am sure of meaningfully representing voters at the County Assembly.
3) You're running as a young person in the Kenyan elections, which traditionally have not been kind to youth. What do you think are some of the main challenges young people have when running for office? What support do they need?
Running elections is a very expensive affair in Kenya and indeed in the region. This is because the rich politicians have flooded campaigns with money and unrealistic pledges. The youth find elections very expensive, especially running against well established politicians. Media has been biased in proving fair coverage to youth in campaigns and also unfair electoral laws in Kenya. Young people running for office need to be supported through programs that will build their capacity, fund the campaigns and free and fair media coverage.
4) What are the unique perspectives that you think young people can bring to the table as elected officials?
Citizen participation and community inclusion in development
Accountability and transparency in public office
Youthful driven leadership
5) Often times, young people are too frustrated with politics to even participate. How do you think we can get young people to participate more in the political process?
Voter apathy amongst young people in Kenya can be attributed lack of trust in electoral processes and ethnic nature of the Kenyan politics. Voter registration, turning out to vote and voting a youth in the office can ways of address the negative perception of the youth in the electoral processes. Additionally, continuous civic education is helpful.
6) What issues are most important to you as you run for office?
Accessible and affordable healthcare
Opportunities for youth employment
Inter-ethnic Integration
Quality and affordable education
Peace and security
7) What message do you have for other young people considering running for office?
That elections are opportunities for young aspirants to prove to the electorates their leadership potential and will to serve. And for young voters, vote for your fellow young people.
Politics is not a dead game, we have allowed politicians to muddy politics; we the young people must embody ideals and integrity to sanitize politics.