Voter Apathy Among the Youth in Kenya: A Case Study of Kibra Constituency, 2022 General Elections
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Date
2024-10
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
Voter apathy is a widespread issue that affects the political landscape in many countries, including Kenya. It is often driven by disillusionment, a lack of political awareness, and a sense of powerlessness among the electorate. This phenomenon leads to low voter turnout, particularly among the youth, which is concerning because it results in the underrepresentation of young people's voices in decision-making processes. When youth fail to vote in significant numbers, it weakens the democratic legitimacy of elected officials, reduces trust in political systems, and impedes social progress. Understanding the factors that influence youth voter participation is essential to building a more inclusive democracy that accurately reflects the needs and concerns of younger generations. The issue of voter apathy among youth was examined in the context of Kenya's Kibra Constituency during the 2022 general elections. This study explored the various factors that either encouraged or discouraged political engagement among young voters in this economically and socially diverse area. Using a mixed-method approach, the research gathered data through quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions to gain a deeper understanding of the problem. The findings revealed several significant factors influencing voter apathy among the youth. Among the major aspects recognized was socio-economic conditions. Issues such as unemployment, lack of quality education, and low-income levels were found to contribute significantly to political disengagement. Many young people in Kibra face economic hardships, which diverts their attention away from political participation, as their focus shifts towards day-to-day survival. Furthermore, ethnic divisions and disparities within the constituency were also found to influence political participation, with some youths feeling marginalized or excluded from the political process due to their ethnic background. In addition to socio-economic factors, media literacy and access to political information were highlighted as crucial influencers of youth political engagement. In Kibra, many young people lack access to accurate, unbiased information, which hampers their ability to make informed decisions during elections. Furthermore, the quality of political campaigns was noted to play a significant role in shaping young voters' perceptions of political candidates and the overall electoral process. Youths often feel disconnected from politicians who fail to address their concerns or appear insincere during campaigns. Leadership quality, corruption, and the rule of law also emerged as key factors affecting youth voter turnout. Many young voters expressed frustration with corrupt leaders and perceived a lack of accountability in the political system. This lack of trust in leadership discourages political participation, as youths feel their vote will not lead to meaningful change. In light of these results, the study provided several recommendations. Policies that promote economic stability, particularly in marginalized areas like Kibra, are essential for reducing youth voter apathy. Strengthening education systems, especially vocational training and job opportunities, can empower young citizens and encourage greater political engagement. Additionally, promoting media literacy and access to accurate information is crucial in enabling informed voting decisions. Finally, fostering unity among diverse ethnic communities, advocating for accountable leadership, and emphasizing community-centered initiatives were proposed as effective measures to combat voter apathy and strengthen Kenya's democratic process.
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MASTER OF ARTS
In Diplomacy, Development, and International Security.
Keywords
Voter apathy, political landscape
Citation
Kamira, W. (2024). Voter Apathy Among the Youth in Kenya: A Case Study of Kibra Constituency, 2022 General Elections. Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences