Project: Youth for Accountability Project 2.0
Date: 4th March 2026
Venue: Elude Kipchoge Complex
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Organiser: Retizen Organization (Youth-led Initiative)
Target Audience / Participants: Youths and Community Members from the Elude and surrounding
villages
Total Participants: 176 Youths and Community Members

Background and Purpose
On 4th March 2026, Retizen Organization convened a youth-led community baraza at Elude
Kipchoge Sports Complex with the aim of creating an open platform where young people and
community members could interact with local leadership and learn about opportunities available to
them. The meeting was organized to encourage dialogue between youths, government officers, and
the wider community on matters affecting young people, particularly youth empowerment, access to
opportunities, and responsible civic engagement.
The baraza sought to strengthen the relationship between young people and local authorities while
also providing a safe space where youths could openly raise issues affecting them. It also aimed to
expose participants to government programs and development initiatives that could help address
challenges such as unemployment and lack of opportunities within the community.
Baraza Summary
The youth baraza was successfully held at Elude Kipchoge Complex and commenced at 10:00 a.m. as
scheduled. The session attracted a strong turnout from both youths and community members, with a
total attendance of 176 participants. The large number reflected the strong interest within the
community in youth-related discussions and development opportunities.
The Assistant Chief attended the beginning of the meeting and acknowledged the importance of youth
engagement within the community. However, due to an urgent administrative meeting that required
her presence elsewhere, she had to excuse herself shortly after the baraza began.
The Assistant OCS was also present and actively engaged with the participants throughout the
session. He responded to questions raised by the youths and addressed several issues affecting the
community. His engagement was well received, and it helped create a positive atmosphere that
encouraged open and respectful dialogue between the youths and the officers present.
Implementation and Activities
The meeting began with opening remarks from the organizing team, who welcomed participants and
outlined the purpose of the baraza. Participants were encouraged to share their views, ask questions,
and participate actively in discussions.
A key highlight of the event was the presence of a Nyota Fund Officer, who facilitated a session on
youth empowerment opportunities. The officer explained various government programs designed to
support young people, including information about government grants, entrepreneurship support
initiatives, and free technical and vocational training opportunities available to youths. This
session generated a lot of interest among participants, many of whom were eager to learn how they
could benefit from these opportunities.
The discussion session allowed youths to ask questions directly to the Nyota Fund Officer and the
Assistant OCS. The officers responded clearly and honestly, providing guidance on how youths could
access support programs and improve their livelihoods. The interaction between the youths and the
officers was constructive and respectful, and it was encouraging to see young people confidently
engaging with leaders in their community.
Village elders and community members who attended also contributed to the discussion by sharing
their perspectives and offering guidance to the youths. Their words of wisdom and encouragement
added value to the conversation and strengthened the sense of community during the baraza.
Participation Overview
The baraza recorded a total attendance of 176 participants, the majority being youths from the
surrounding community, alongside a number of elders and community representatives. The turnout
was very encouraging and reflected the strong interest in youth-focused community engagements.
Throughout the session, participants maintained good behavior and discipline. The interaction
between the youths and the invited officers was particularly positive. Youths expressed their concerns
respectfully and listened attentively to the responses provided. Community members also took part in
the conversation, raising issues affecting the community and encouraging youths to remain focused on
improving their future.
Many community members requested that similar youth barazas be organized more frequently. They
emphasized the need for continued engagement and support for young people within the area, noting
that many youths remain idle due to limited employment opportunities. The discussions revealed the
challenges faced by the community, which was difficult to witness, but it was also encouraging to see
participants gain useful knowledge and guidance from the officers and elders present.
Key Outcomes and Achievements
The baraza achieved several important outcomes. Firstly, it successfully created a platform where
youths could openly interact with government representatives and local leaders. This engagement
helped build trust and confidence between young people and authorities.
Secondly, participants gained valuable information about the opportunities available through the
Nyota Fund and other government initiatives. Many youths expressed interest in pursuing technical
training and exploring government grant opportunities that were explained during the session.
Another key outcome was the strong community support for the initiative. Community members
encouraged the organizing team to continue hosting youth barazas and to remain actively involved in
supporting young people within the community.
Challenges Encountered
While the event was largely successful, a few challenges were experienced towards the end of the
session. During lunchtime, the program was progressing well; however, as the event was nearing its
conclusion, a small fracas and commotion occurred when additional villagers who had not been part
of the registered participants began entering the venue through the fence.
Although the organizing team had prepared enough food for the registered participants, the
unexpected arrival of additional people created some confusion and forced the organizers to bring the
event to an early close. Fortunately, the situation was quickly managed, and no one was injured or
harmed, and no property was damaged.
In addition, heavy rainfall began shortly after the incident as the event was coming to an end. The
rain contributed to dispersing the crowd and helped bring the situation under control, allowing
participants to leave the venue safely.
Observations
Despite the minor challenges experienced toward the end of the event, the overall engagement during
the baraza was very positive. Youths demonstrated good discipline, respect, and willingness to
participate in discussions. The interaction between the youths and the officers was constructive, and
the community appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with leadership.
It was also clear from the discussions that many young people in the community are eager for
opportunities but face challenges such as unemployment and limited access to resources. The baraza
provided a meaningful opportunity for them to receive guidance and information that may help them
move forward.
Conclusion
The youth baraza held on 4th March 2026 at Elude Kipchoge Complex was successful in creating a
platform for dialogue, learning, and community engagement. The presence and participation of the
Assistant OCS, the Nyota Fund Officer, and the village elders greatly contributed to the impact of the
meeting.
Although a few challenges were experienced toward the end of the session, the overall event achieved
its objectives and was well received by the community. The baraza concluded at approximately 2:00
p.m., with many participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interact with leaders and
learn about available opportunities.
The strong turnout and positive feedback from the community demonstrate the importance of
continuing such initiatives to support and empower youths within the area.