Project Duration: One (1) Year
Partner organization: Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP)
Location: Nairobi Kenya
Project Description
PSI Foundation Kenya in conjunction with Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) through its founder William is piloting a citizen data driven research project in Kenya themed “Promoting inclusive digital democracy for youths: Embracing e-democracy to strengthen democratic engagements of youths in Kenya.”
The research project intends to examine ways in which youths engage in digital democracy in Kenya. Digital democracy is a better platform for enhancing youth participation in governance around Africa. Sadly, there are several barriers in context of Kenya i.e. online misinformation, and regulatory constraints that stops the youths from having meaningful engagement. This study project will provide recommendations and insights for strengthening youth participation in Kenya’s digital democracy. We believe that the aspect of “democratic engagement” should equally be reflected in digital democracy.
The focus of the project shall explore:
- To what extent are Kenyan youth actively engaged in digital democratic practices?
- Which digital platforms and technologies are most commonly used for civic engagement by youths in Kenya?
- What challenges do youth face in participating in digital democracy?
- How does youth engagement in digital democracy influence governance and policy decisions?
- What strategies can be implemented to enhance meaningful youth participation in digital democracy?
The project rationale
This research project by PSI Foundation shall provide a framework on how young people should engage in the four democratic engagements so as to advance inclusive digital democracy. Democratic engagement has varied meaning that should be reflected in digital democracy. According to (Sanders, Fisher, Health, & Sobolewska 2014), there are four dimensions that constitutes democratic engagement namely: (1) Engagement in electoral processes (2) Engagement in non – electoral processes (3) confidence in political institutions and (4) a commitment to the rejection of use of violence in politics. The study will be aligned to digital democracy engagement with reference the role of youth in Kenya. Broadly, the study will examine the youth’s level of participation, the barriers they face, and potential strategies for fostering more inclusive digital civic.IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS STUDY PROJECT AND OR WISH TO SUPPORT US ON THE SAME, PLEASE REACH OUT TO US VIA THIS EMAIL: psifoundation6@gmail.com