Older members of society in Meru County committed on Friday, 18 September 2026, to mentor young people seeking elective positions and to promote peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

The dialogue closed the four-day programme of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) in the county and drew in representatives of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders, custodians of Meru culture and customs.

 Participants examined equality, inclusion and the role of older members of society in electoral participation as active and responsible citizens. They set out the barriers to equal participation and the importance of older persons remaining engaged in political and governance processes. Discussions addressed the role of traditional leadership in promoting social cohesion, responsible citizenship and equal opportunities.

INTERGENERATIONAL ROLE 

Representatives of the Njuri Ncheke recognised their influence in facilitating intergenerational dialogue and knowledge transfer. They acknowledged the importance of engaging younger generations on values and practices that promote equality and equal opportunity, regardless of gender or other forms of discrimination.

The dialogue underscored the role of elders in mentoring young people, encouraging responsible political participation and supporting peaceful electoral processes. Participants committed to strengthening intergenerational engagement.

THE UNDERTAKINGS 

The engagement concluded with commitments to active voter registration, greater participation in political parties, mentoring young people seeking elective positions, promoting peaceful campaigns and elections, and holding responsible institutions accountable for free and fair electoral processes. 

The dialogues sought stakeholder commitments to county actions for safe and meaningful participation in the 2027 electoral process, and examined how patriarchal norms, family and community expectations, political party practice and institutional arrangements affect the ability of Special Interest Groups to seek, attain and exercise leadership. 

In the 2022 General Election women won two of 56 non-reserved elective positions in Meru. No woman has been elected Senator or constituency Member of Parliament in the county

The session closed with the adoption of the older members’ instrument of the declaration by Special Interest Groups on inclusive electoral preparations and participation ahead of the 2027 General Election. Signatories commit to use their positions to demand the full inclusion of youth, women, persons with disabilities and marginalised people in political party governance, and to steer peace initiatives and reconciliation programmes. 

The Commission will convene a review of the commitments made in Meru, Kisii and Nyamira before 6 November 2026.

We shall at all times steer peace initiatives and reconciliation programs prior to the elections, during campaigns, during voting and even after the elections are over” Declaration by Special Interest Groups on Inclusive Electoral Preparations and Participation ahead of the 2027 General Election, youth instrument, adopted in Meru County