Sheikh, Aliyare Hassan2025-02-142025-02-142024-11https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29598A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Leadership and Governance of Kenyatta University, November 2024. Supervisor David M. MinjaYouth participation in political governance is a crucial component of an inclusive and dynamic democracy, as it ensures that young people are represented in political institutions and can contribute their perspectives, ideas, and concerns. This study investigated the relationship between youth participation and political governance in the County Government of Mandera. The problem addressed by the study is the limited engagement and representation of youth in governance structures, which can hinder the development of policies that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the younger population. The specific objectives include examining the effects of social exclusionary practices, youth coordination levels, youth’s divergent views, and youth involvement in county project evaluation on political governance within Mandera County.The study employed a descriptive research design to gain a comprehensive understanding of the influence of youth participation on governance. Data was collected through questionnaires, targeting 220 respondents which included 60 County elected leaders (Governors, MPs, Senator, Women Reps and MCAs), 11 County Executive Committee Members, 56 Community Elders, 60 Youth Leaders and 33 County Chief Officers at the County Government of Mandera. To ensure the reliability of the data, the questionnaires were pre-tested to confirm consistency in responses across similar contexts, and the data collection process was carefully standardized. Validity was addressed by designing the questionnaires based on well-established theoretical models Human Capital Theory and the Civic Voluntarism Model to ensure that the instruments accurately captured the constructs of youth participation and political governance.Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the study. Respondents were assured of confidentiality to protect their privacy, informed consent was obtained, and participants were briefed on the voluntary nature of their involvement, allowing them to withdraw at any point without any repercussions. The study’s findings, based on an analysis of a 71.5% response rate, indicated that exclusionary practices, youth coordination, youth perspectives, and feedback mechanisms are significant in enhancing political governance in Mandera County, accounting for 67.6% of the variance in governance outcomes. The study recommends that the county government should establish robust monitoring mechanisms to assess and improve youth participation in governance, aligning youth engagement efforts with the county’s broader development objectives.enThesis