People’s Agenda launched in Nairobi with a call for peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
The civic initiative wants voters to assess candidates’ policies, reject inducements and demand accountability as Kenya prepares for the next General Election.
People’s Agenda has urged Kenyans to reject political violence and demand issue-based campaigns before the 2027 General Election. The civic initiative seeks to strengthen citizen participation and accountable leadership.
The Slums Outreach Programme launched the initiative, also known as Wasemavyo Wakenya, on Tuesday, October 28. The event took place at the Wangari Maathai Conference Room at August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi.
Civic representatives, Muslim leaders and officials from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties attended the launch. Together with other stakeholders, they discussed peaceful electoral competition, civic education and public accountability.
Call to reject political violence
Businessman Nick Ndolo, who seeks the Embakasi South parliamentary seat, urged leaders and supporters to maintain peace. He said that commitment should extend before, during and after elections, regardless of the outcome.
Ndolo also cautioned leaders against using violence or incitement to advance their ambitions. Instead, he urged them to ensure electoral competition does not divide communities.
Turning to local concerns, Ndolo identified water shortages and youth unemployment as major challenges in Embakasi South. He pledged to pursue development initiatives addressing both problems if voters elect him.
He also linked unemployment to some young people’s vulnerability to political manipulation. In his assessment, limited economic opportunities can push young people towards violence and recruitment as political goons.
Ndolo therefore called for greater investment in job creation and economic empowerment. He said young people need opportunities to earn a living rather than recruitment to disrupt political contests.
Voters urged to examine policies and promises
Meanwhile, People’s Agenda aims to move campaigns away from personality-driven politics and towards community needs. It encourages voters to compare candidates’ policies, development plans and ability to address local concerns.
Organisers plan civic education, community forums and citizen-led engagements across all 47 counties. Through these platforms, residents would raise concerns, examine manifestos and hold elected leaders accountable for their promises.
The initiative will also encourage voters to understand their constitutional rights and reject political inducements. Its organisers want citizens to make informed electoral choices and engage in constructive debate.
Alongside those goals, stakeholders emphasised responsible political engagement and national cohesion. Organisers urged Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights peacefully throughout the electoral process.
