Interview: Understanding The Turkana Youth Movement

Introduction

Last week, in light of the Gen Z protest movement in Kenya, youth in Turkana shocked the Ateker region by seriously mobilizing themselves  in an effort to peacefully but seriously  take on their County Government and International Aid Agencies operating in the county, who for a long time have been untouchable.

What started off as a twitter/X space codenamed Turkana lighthouse, against injustices in recruitment policies and corruption transformed into an online and physical campaign. Just this Saturday they released a communique, where they outlined several key issues that they seek to address.

This week we interviewed one of their main organisers. Ms. Faith Ajikon. The purpose of our interview is to understand the who, what and why behind their movement and specifically what we as youth from other parts of the Ateker can learn from them.

Without Further ado here is the interview with Ms. Ajikon

1. What is Turkana Youth Lighthouse? How did it come about? We in ATEKER are dazzled by the simplicity and organisation

“Turkana youth Lighthouse is a forum aim at educating, enlightening, hearing and collecting the views and position of Turkana Youth on the issues pertaining service delivery across the county.

Lighthouse is primarily a tower with powerful light. The youths of this Turkana county have the power to oversee, ensure and evaluate every work that is supposed to be done is done.’

2. By what measure will you measure it's success? Short-medium and long term? What does victory look like?

“Short term measures would be the act of the Turkana County government realizing its mistakes and taking a step to the right direction. We are expecting some of the incompetent people heading several institutions dismissed.

In the long run even with other incoming governments, the lighthouse is aimed at keeping everything in check to ensure that Turkana is achieving Kenya Vision 2030 of stable economic growth within the county through improved tourism, agriculture, trade and manufacturing.

Improved health, water and sanitation, urbanization of several towns and gender youth and culture not forgetting sports through talent coaching and development.

Improved security within our borders with the provision of developed alternative justice systems.’

3. How can the youth, who are a majority, move from having numbers to having greater impact?

“It lies in the mindset. Once the youth are aware of what the government should do for them, they can’t stop until it’s done.

Through being organized and mobilizing each other, the youth can amplify their collective voice and influence. Actively participating in governance, collaboration with several stakeholders and leveraging on technology and social media.

Impact majorly relies on putting the needs of the whole population of Turkana County first before your own.”

4. What role can youth play in peacebuilding, development, monitoring government and NGO programs as well as in accountability and in Policy Development Processes?

“The youth can play various roles including advocacy and awareness, community engagement and dialogues to ensure peace is established and sustained.

In development, through volunteerism even at the community level, acquiring skills and education and innovation and entrepreneurship are the key ingredients to development. These are the activities the youth can immerse themselves in with ease which in-turn will significantly contribute to building more peaceful, developed, accountable, and inclusive societies.”

5. Do you have any message for the youth in the Ateker Cluster?

“We hold the power to shape the future with our energy, creativity, and passion. Embrace your role as change-makers and pursue your dreams with determination. Speak up for justice, hold leaders accountable, and get involved in policy-making processes. Every small action counts, whether it's volunteering or initiating community projects. Stand united, support one another, and work towards a better, more inclusive world. Let’s not forget to keep peace within our borders!”

As of Sunday the Turkana youth declared another round of protests and issued a list of demands to their county government. This list is below.

We encourage our Ateker Youth to take keen interest in National and Sub-national Policy

Processes as well as acting as monitors of NGO, Government and Investor Projects or Programs on their land.

We hope you enjoyed this article, if you have further questions you can find Ms. Faith Ajikon on Twitter at her handle @ajikon_faith. They hold spaces every Friday.

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