Kenyan youth from diverse faiths and institutions have urged political leaders to prioritize affordable renewable energy in their 2027 election manifestos. The youth, gathered at the 2026 Interfaith Youth Forum on Peace and Integral Ecology, emphasized the need for a response to Kenya's energy and climate challenges. They also stressed the importance of protecting young people from political manipulation. The forum brought together young people from faith groups, universities, and NGOs under the theme "Youth in Faith, Renewable Energy Access for Fair and Peaceful Elections in Kenya."
The youth have rejected political manipulation, tribalism, hate speech, and election violence. They warned leaders against exploiting youth for violence and hate speech during elections. Postulant Clarerita Achieng of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus stated that youth should not be used for goons and that no blood should be shed for political seats. Valentine Kaindi of St Michael Secondary School emphasized that young people deserve a country where they can pursue their future without being divided by politics.
The youth also want energy affordability to become a major issue in political campaigns. Amina Galgallo of Mount Kenya University said that political leaders should disclose their energy manifestos, and that youth will give them their votes based on this. Saida Saida Omar Abdulbar of Harmony Institute emphasized that the 2027 General Election must respond to both the energy crisis and the climate crisis. The youth called for an end to new fossil-fuel projects and a transition towards 100 percent renewable energy.
The forum demanded tax relief on solar panels, wind equipment, and decentralised microgrid components to make clean energy more accessible to households and small businesses. John Favor Wairagu of Mount Kenya University stated that young people will continue demanding accountability from political leaders. The youth cited over 600 million Africans without access to electricity and called for a people-centred transition that promotes affordable energy, climate justice, peace, and social cohesion.
The youth emphasized that they deserve better, including decent jobs, a country of peace, love, and harmony. They want a country where they can pursue their future without being divided by politics. The youth are pushing for a transition towards 100 percent renewable energy and an end to new fossil-fuel projects.
The 2026 Interfaith Youth Forum on Peace and Integral Ecology brought together young people from various backgrounds to discuss the intersection of faith, renewable energy, and peace. The forum provided a platform for youth to express their concerns and demands regarding energy and climate challenges in Kenya. The youth are seeking a fair and peaceful election in 2027.
The youth's demands are driven by a desire for a better future, with access to affordable and clean energy. They are calling on political leaders to take practical steps to address Kenya's energy challenges. The youth's push for renewable energy is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and climate justice in Kenya.
Key points
- Kenyan youth demand affordable renewable energy in 2027 election manifestos.
- Youth reject political manipulation, tribalism, hate speech, and election violence.
- The youth call for a transition towards 100 percent renewable energy and an end to new fossil-fuel projects.
