As part of the Voices for Change project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, a second round table discussion was held in Mombasa, Kenya, hosted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on 12th October. The meeting brought together up to 15 stakeholders, including NACADA’s Regional Manager, Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members, and civil society representatives, to discuss the importance of youth participation in substance use prevention and community development.

Mombasa plays an important role as a coastal city in East Africa, but drug trafficking and substance use also present challenges for local communities. The discussion highlighted the need for more inclusive approaches that involve young people in addressing these challenges and shaping responses to the issues affecting their lives.

Strengthening youth participation in public decision-making

One of the main issues raised during the round table was the limited participation of young people in public forums and government consultations. Government representatives expressed concern that young people were often more engaged with social media and entertainment than with official participation opportunities advertised through citizen information portals.

Young participants, however, pointed to challenges with how these opportunities are communicated. They explained that public forums are sometimes announced only a few days in advance or after they have already taken place, making it difficult for young people to participate meaningfully.

The discussion also highlighted concerns about political interference and the wider sense of exclusion experienced by some young people. Participants stressed the importance of timely information, accessible opportunities, and stronger communication between young people and local authorities.

Agreeing on practical steps towards inclusion

The meeting concluded with an initial action plan to strengthen youth participation. Youth Advisory Board members will connect with county officials to receive information about public participation opportunities in a timely manner and share these announcements with other young people in their communities.

By improving communication and creating more accessible opportunities for engagement, the initiative aims to help young people contribute to decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Life skills training begins in Mombasa

Alongside the round table discussion, life skills training also began in Mombasa on 13 October, bringing together 11 young people, including three Youth Advisory Board members, at Amani Gardens along the Indian Ocean coast.

The initial sessions introduced participants to the training, goal-setting, and the pre-training assessment before moving into modules on self-awareness and self-esteem. These activities provide a foundation for further learning, helping young people recognise their strengths, reflect on their goals, and develop practical skills for navigating everyday challenges.

Through Voices for Change, WFAD and its partners are working to strengthen young people’s life skills and participation in community development. In Mombasa, the discussions and training highlight the importance of listening to young people and ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to contribute to substance use prevention and decisions affecting their communities.