ActionAid Kenya, in partnership with National Youth Council Kenya, convened young leaders on 15th December 2025 at Jacaranda Hotel for the Youth Leadership Forum 2025, a forum focused on strengthening youth leadership and advancing gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
Held under the theme “Creating Safe Spaces, Strengthening Youth Leadership, and Advancing GBV Prevention for Peaceful Communities,” the forum provided a dynamic platform for young people to enhance their leadership capacities in peacebuilding and GBV prevention. Participants engaged in structured dialogue sessions, both in person and online, and collaborated with youth-led and youth-serving organisations to develop practical, community-based solutions.
A youth participant, Mary, shared her perspective:
“The forum has given us practical tools to address violence in our communities and the confidence to speak up. As young leaders, we are not just beneficiaries, we are drivers of change. When we create safe spaces, both offline and online, we strengthen the future of our communities.”
Through the exchange of experiences and the acquisition of practical skills, attendees contributed to initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and secure communities, addressing both physical and digital forms of violence.
Mercy Gichengi, Programme Coordinator, Youth & Governance at ActionAid Kenya, delivered remarks on behalf of the organisation. Mercy Gichengi stated:
“ActionAid Kenya works closely with young people to build their leadership capacity and enable them to lead initiatives that prevent violence and promote community cohesion. The forum is a continuation of our commitment to creating platforms where youth can meaningfully contribute to solutions that affect their communities.”
Gloria Wawira, Acting CEO of the National Youth Council Kenya, said:
“This forum provides an important platform for young leaders to help shape safe and inclusive communities. By equipping youth with knowledge and leadership skills, we are investing in a generation prepared to lead and take action.”
The Youth Leadership Forum 2025 underscored a coordinated effort to strengthen youth participation in community governance and transform leadership potential into tangible outcomes, reinforcing the shared commitment to peaceful, inclusive communities.