The 6th Edition of the Good Governance Festival 2025 (#GGFest2025), organized by Global Platform Kenya, an initiative of ActionAid Kenya, was successfully held at the Kenya School of Government from 25th to 27th November 2025. The festival brought together young leaders, activists, policymakers, and civic actors from across the country, serving as a vibrant national platform for youth engagement, democratic dialogue, and collective action at a time when civic space faced significant challenges.
Guided by the theme “Amplifying Our Voices: Inclusive and Accountable Leadership in the Shrinking Civic Space,” the festival created a timely opportunity for young Kenyans to reflect on their role in shaping governance and strengthening accountability mechanisms. Throughout the event, participants engaged in conversations on economic justice, social inclusion, and constitutionalism, while co-creating practical solutions to address pressing national concerns.
Speaking during the official launch, David Maraga, Chief Justice Emeritus, emphasized the central role of young people in defending constitutionalism and democratic governance. He stated,
“Young people have risen to the occasion; your courage and resilience have shifted the balance of power. The Constitution of 2010 is not a suggestion, and the rule of law is not optional. Young people are not passengers in this democracy; they are its engine. The government must listen and respect the Constitution.”
The festival empowered young people to actively contribute to discussions on governance reforms and accountability while strengthening their readiness to take up appointive, nominative, and elective leadership roles in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. It moved beyond dialogue and focused on equipping participants with the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to participate meaningfully in decision-making spaces.
A strong emphasis was placed on youth-led advocacy against femicide and other forms of gender-based violence. Participants shared experiences, built solidarity, and called for accountability from institutions responsible for protecting citizens. These conversations reinforced the importance of inclusive leadership that prioritizes safety, dignity, and justice for women and marginalized communities.
In response to the realities of shrinking civic space, the festival also strengthened youth-led social movements and digital activism. Young people deepened their understanding of community organizing, feminist movement-building, and strategic advocacy, while building networks that would continue to safeguard freedoms and influence policy beyond the festival. As shared by Cadille Maina,
“For a long time, we felt unheard, but spaces like #GGFest2025 remind us that our voices matter. We are not waiting for permission to lead; we are preparing ourselves to take responsibility for Kenya’s future.”
Highlighting the commitment to youth empowerment, Samson Orao, Interim Executive Director, ActionAid Kenya noted,
“Through our youth-led programmes, including civic leadership training, community organising support, feminist movement-building initiatives, and the provision of safe spaces for democratic participation, ActionAid Kenya and its partners work directly with young people to strengthen their capacity, agency, and influence within decision-making processes.”
The outcome of #GGFest2025 was a stronger and more inclusive platform where young people actively participated in shaping Kenya’s democratic future. The festival reaffirmed that youth leadership remained central to driving progressive change, strengthening accountability, and safeguarding the gains of the Constitution across the country.
Author: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.