INFLUENCE OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION ON POLITICAL PARTY VIOLENCE AT NOMINATION STAGE IN HOMABAY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Youth participation influencing political party violence is a global concern, affecting democratic processes worldwide. In Africa, this issue undermines stability and governance. Regionally, within East Africa, such violence disrupts political unity and development. In Kenya, particularly in Homa Bay County, it threatens local democracy, peace, and electoral integrity. In Kenya, party primaries are characterized with violence and all sorts of uncivility with youths taking the centre stage. Despite the fact that most scholars have studied matters elections, very little research if any have been done to unearth the Influence of youth participation on political party violence at nomination stage in Homabay County, Kenya. The overall objective of this study was to examine the influence of youth participation on political party violence at nomination stage in Homabay County, Kenya. Homa Bay County is one among counties that experience high political activeness. The specific objectives were to; examine the nature and extent of Youth Participation in Politics within Homa Bay County, Kenya; assess the nature and extent of violence at nomination stage in Homa Bay County, Kenya and interrogate the Challenges and Opportunities towards peaceful nominations in the Context of Youth Participation in Politics in Homa-Bay County, Kenya. The study was justified academically and policy wise. The study was done thematically according to specific objectives. Institutional and Pluralism theories will be utilized in this study. The study employed cross sectional research design. The target population included voters of Homa Bay County, National Cohesion and Integration Commission officials, political leaders, security agents, Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD) officials, election observers, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Officials, victims of party primaries violence, political party officials, youth and religious leaders. Purposive, convenience, snowball and simple random sampling techniques were used in sampling. The study collected data by use of questionnaires, interview guides and FGDs. A sample size of 400 voters and 37 key informants were used. The key findings of the study were; first, many young individuals in Homa Bay County perceive voting as a fundamental civic duty, recognizing its significance in influencing political outcomes and fostering accountable governance. Secondly, violence during the nomination stage in Homa Bay County, Kenya, presents a grim reality that undermines the democratic process and poses significant challenges to the well-being of its residents and lastly, limited access to information acts as a formidable barrier to meaningful youth participation in the nomination process, with far-reaching implications for the peace and stability of the region. The study concludes the following as per the objectives: First, youth activists contribute significantly to the county's political landscape, promoting inclusivity and democratic governance. Secondly, disruption of electoral processes emerges as a strategic tactic to undermine the integrity of the electoral system, with instances of violence leading to the disruption of voting procedures and the disenfranchisement of voters. Thirdly, the digital divide exacerbates disparities in access to information, with urban areas and affluent communities enjoying greater connectivity and technological resources compared to their rural counterparts. The overall conclusion is that, youth-led civic education initiatives have the potential to promote inclusive and intersectional approaches to civic education that resonate with the diverse experiences and identities of young people in Homa Bay County. The study recommends that; by fostering partnerships between government institutions, civil society organizations, and youth-led initiatives, stakeholders can harness the energy, creativity, and talents of young people to address the pressing challenges facing Homa Bay County and build a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic society for all its citizens.