Empowering Youth through County Budget and Financial Literacy

In our ongoing mission To Strengthen Communities capacities on governance issues so that they can meaningfully engage duty bearers to have better service delivery, our organization with collaboration with CABDA proudly formed the Kakamega Budget Champion Network. This initiative, launched in 2024, aimed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the budgeting processes of their local government.

Objectives

The primary goals of the Kakamega Budget Champion Network were to:

• Help youth understand matters related to the county budget.
• Improve public participation in local governance.
• Promote transparency and accountability in local governance through informed youth involvement.

Implementation

The journey began with an extensive outreach campaign to engage the youth of Kakamega. We collaborated with local schools, community groups, and youth organizations to spread the word. Interested candidates underwent a selection process based on their enthusiasm for civic engagement and their potential to drive change in their communities.

The network is comprised of 17 member organizations from different parts of Kakamega. Although not legally registered, it is hosted by CABDA in Kakamega, providing a supportive environment for its activities.

Once selected, the Budget Champions participated in a series of intensive training workshops. These workshops covered a range of topics including, financial and budget literacy, advocacy skills, and the importance of transparency in governance. The training was facilitated by experts in public finance and experienced budget facilitators.

Impact

The impact of the Kakamega Budget Champion Network has been profound. Since its inception, the network has:

• Enhanced Understanding of County Budgets: Young people have gained a deeper understanding of how county budgets work, allowing them to engage more effectively in financial discussions.
• Improved Public Participation: The champions have actively participated in local budget discussions and improved civic education about budget advocacy within the community, providing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
• Successful Projects: The network has influenced several key projects in Kakamega. For example, the champions tracked budgets across various departments such as agriculture, water and sanitation, health, and ICT. Their efforts led to the submission of memos during the budget-making process, resulting in increased allocations for some departments. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of youth involvement in budgeting.

Challenges and Solutions

Establishing the network was not without its challenges. Initially, there was resistance from some civil society organisations  members and some county departments who were skeptical about the effectiveness of youth involvement in serious financial matters. However, through persistent advocacy and showcasing early successes, we gradually earned their support.

Additionally, maintaining engagement among the youth required continuous effort. We addressed this by incorporating regular feedback sessions, peer mentoring, trainings, and recognizing the achievements of the champions, thereby keeping their motivation high.

Future Plans

Building on this success, we plan to expand the Kakamega Budget Champion Network to other regions within the county. We aim to establish a sustainable model that can be replicated, ensuring that more young people are equipped to participate in local governance and budget processes. We also seek to be officially registered and recognized to enhance our legitimacy and impact. Furthermore, we plan to incorporate other organizations since budgeting cuts across various sectors, broadening our collaborative efforts. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with educational institutions to integrate financial and budget literacy programs into their curricula, thereby institutionalizing these valuable skills.

Conclusion

The formation of the Kakamega Budget Champion Network stands as a testament to the power of youth engagement and the positive impact of financial and budget literacy on community development. By empowering young people to take an active role in budgeting and governance, we are not only fostering a more transparent and accountable system but also nurturing the next generation of informed and responsible citizens.