Project: Youth Engagement and Civic Participation
Title of the Event: Report on Public Participation on Draft National Volunteerism Policy
Date(s) and Time: 24th March 2026
Location: Christ the King Social Hall, Chepterit
Organised by: Ministry of Labour and Social Protection
Participants / Target Audience: Community members, youth, stakeholders, and
representatives from various organizations including Retizen Champions
Number of Participants Present: Approximately 180 participants

1.0 Introduction and Purpose
On 24th March 2026, Retizen Organization, represented by eight (8) Retizen Champions,
participated in a public participation forum held at Christ the King Social Hall in Chepterit. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to collect public views on the Draft National Volunteerism Policy.
The purpose of the session was to provide stakeholders and community members with an
opportunity to contribute to the development of a policy aimed at strengthening and structuring volunteerism in Kenya. The engagement focused on ensuring that volunteerism is well-coordinated, inclusive, and beneficial to both volunteers and the communities they serve.
2.0 Overview / Executive Summary
The public participation forum brought together approximately 180 participants, with a majority being older members of the community. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss key aspects of the Draft National Volunteerism Policy, including the need to create a clear structure for managing volunteerism, registering and supporting volunteers, providing training and certification, ensuring volunteer welfare, and promoting youth inclusion.While the session was generally informative and participatory, several challenges were observed,including deviations from the agenda, language barriers, power interruptions, and unfavourable weather conditions. Despite these challenges, the session successfully gathered diverse views from participants, contributing to the policy development process.

3.0 Detailed Description of Activities

The session began with registration of participants followed by opening remarks from the
organizers, who provided an overview of the Draft National Volunteerism Policy and its objectives.Participants were guided through key policy areas, including the establishment of a structured framework for volunteerism, volunteer registration and management, training and capacity building,provision of basic support such as stipends and safety measures, legal protection, recognition and incentives, youth involvement, partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation.Discussions were conducted in both English and vernacular languages to ensure inclusivity. A translator was present, which greatly supported participants who were not able to understand or communicate effectively in English.
Participants actively contributed by sharing their views, experiences, and recommendations
regarding volunteerism in their communities. However, at certain points, discussions deviated from the main agenda, making it challenging for the moderator to maintain focus and guide the conversation effectively.The session experienced interruptions due to power outages, which affected audibility, especially for participants seated at the back. Additionally, rainfall during the session forced the discussions to be rushed towards the end. The forum concluded at 3:00 PM.

4.0 Participation Summary
The forum recorded a total of approximately 180 participants. The majority of attendees were older community members, with relatively lower youth representation. Despite this imbalance,participation was active, with attendees contributing views and engaging in discussions on volunteerism and community development.The presence of a translator enhanced inclusivity and enabled broader participation, particularly among those who preferred using vernacular language.

5.0 Key Achievements and Outputs
The forum successfully created awareness on the Draft National Volunteerism Policy and provided a platform for public input. Participants gained a better understanding of the proposed policy framework and its potential impact on volunteerism in Kenya.
Key issues highlighted included the need for structured coordination of volunteer activities, support mechanisms for volunteers, inclusion of youth, and recognition of volunteer contributions. The engagement also strengthened the visibility of Retizen Organization and its role in promoting civic participation and community engagement.

6.0 Challenges and Mitigation
Several challenges were encountered during the session. Discussions occasionally deviated from the set agenda, making it difficult for the moderator to maintain focus. Power outages disrupted the session and affected communication, particularly for participants seated at the back.
Additionally, adverse weather conditions, specifically rainfall, led to the session being rushed towards the end. Language barriers were initially a challenge; however, the presence of a translator helped mitigate this issue and improved communication and understanding among participants.

7.0 Feedback and Observations
Participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a national policy and expressed interest in being involved in future engagements. The use of vernacular language, supported by translation, was noted as a positive approach that enhanced inclusivity.
However, the low representation of youth was observed as a gap, highlighting the need for more targeted youth engagement in such forums. Facilitators also noted the importance of stronger moderation to keep discussions aligned with the agenda.

8.0 Recommendations / Next Steps
It is recommended that future public participation forums incorporate stronger facilitation and time management to ensure discussions remain focused and productive. Improved logistical arrangements, including reliable power supply and sound systems, should also be considered to enhance communication.There is a need to increase youth participation in such forums by conducting targeted mobilization and outreach. Retizen Organization can play a key role in mobilizing young people and ensuring their voices are represented in policy discussions.Additionally, continued engagement between the Ministry and community-based organizations is encouraged to strengthen collaboration and ensure effective implementation of the Volunteerism
Policy once finalized.