Abstract

This article explores the challenges associated with youth exclusion in the Kenyan policy processes and the consequences of the same. It observes that while people between the ages 18 to 35 form the largest proportion of the Kenyan adult population only a small proportion of them take part in the nations policy processes. Resulting from this exclusion is high unemployment rate. While the national unemployment rate is estimated to be 10% that of the people aged 15 to 16 is at 20%, 20 years old, at 35 %, 25 and 30 year old at 25%. Stemming from the youth unemployment is the high crime, substance abuse and HIV prevalence rate. The paper recommends that concrete policy efforts should be made to increase youth participation in the national building process. Pertinent to these efforts is the availability of forums for youth interest aggregation and articulation at local and national policy dialogue platforms.