Young mothers are among the most underrepresented groups in governance and decision-making spaces in Kenya. Despite making up a significant portion of the youth population, they are rarely included in county-level planning, budgeting, or policy discussions. The Kenya Youth Development Policy (2019) recognizes that young people face systemic barriers to meaningful participation, and for young mothers, the burden of unpaid care work and persistent stigma further deepens exclusion.
Data highlights this gap: Women hold only 23% of seats in Kenya’s National Assembly and 31% in the Senate (IEBC, 2022), falling short of the two-thirds gender rule enshrined in the Constitution. At the county level, youth and women’s participation remain low. The Youth Inclusive Governance Index (2021) found that less than 10% of youth surveyed had ever participated in public forums such as barazas or budget hearings. For young mothers, this exclusion is compounded by lack of childcare support, making it nearly impossible to engage in public participation exercises.
For MYM, prioritizing Democracy & Good Governance is essential to break this cycle of invisibility. By equipping young mothers with leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills, MYM seeks to amplify their voices in governance processes. Creating inclusive platforms, linking them with county structures, and advocating for gender and youth-responsive policies will ensure that young mothers are not just beneficiaries of programs, but active contributors to shaping them. This thematic focus reflects MYM’s conviction that when young mothers participate in governance, decisions are more equitable, inclusive, and reflective of community realities.
Broad Objective: Promoting the participation of young mothers in decision-making processes.
Strategic Objective 3.1: Empower young mothers with civic education and leadership training to enhance their participation in governance.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased number of young mothers engaged in local and national governance processes.
2. Strengthened leadership skills and confidence in young mothers to participate in decision-making.
3. Enhanced advocacy for young mothers’ rights within governance structures.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of young mothers trained in civic education and leadership.
2. Percentage increase in young mothers' participation in governance activities.
3. Number of community and policy forums attended by young mothers.
4. Number of advocacy projects led by young mothers on governance issues.
Activities:
1. Conduct civic education forums on governance, human rights, and democracy.
2. Organize leadership training programs tailored for young mothers.
3. Facilitate mentorship programs with female leaders and policymakers.
4. Engage young mothers in community decision-making processes.
5. Develop simplified materials on civic rights and governance.
Strategic Objective 3.2: Advocate for policies ensuring inclusivity and protecting young mothers' rights in community and national development.
Expected Outcomes:
1. More inclusive policies addressing young mothers’ challenges in governance and decision-making.
2. Strengthened partnerships with policymakers and civil society for advocacy efforts.
3. Increased representation of young mothers in community-based leadership roles.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of policy engagements and dialogues held with decision-makers.
2. Percentage of governance structures with young mothers represented.
3. Number of young mothers engaging in policy development and implementation.
4. Number of legal and policy reforms initiated in favour of young mothers' rights.
Activities:
1. Organize stakeholder meetings with government officials to discuss inclusivity policies.
2. Conduct research and publish reports on the challenges young mothers face in governance.
3. Mobilize young mothers to participate in policy-making forums.
4. Implement social media advocacy campaigns on governance issues.
5. Establish a legal aid desk to assist young mothers in accessing justice.
Pathways of Change
Democracy & Good Governance
If young mothers are trained in civic engagement, advocacy, and public participation, then they will meaningfully engage in decision-making processes and policy influence, leading to more inclusive governance that reflects the realities of vulnerable groups.
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