CUEA Hosts Interfaith Youth Forum on Peace, Elections and Renewable Energy
By Steeven Kezamutima, CUEA Alumnus & Senior Programs Coordinator, Laudato Si Movement Africa
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) hosted the 2026 Interfaith Youth Forum from September 18–19, 2026, at the LRC Auditorium, Langata Campus, bringing together young people, faith leaders, civil society organisations, students and other stakeholders to discuss peace, elections and the transition to renewable energy.
Held under the theme “Youth in Faith, Renewable Energy Access for Fair and Peaceful Elections in Kenya,” the forum focused on the role of young people in promoting peaceful political participation while challenging youth manipulation, tribalism, hate speech and other forms of social division.
With young people making up a significant proportion of Kenya's electorate, participants noted that their demographic strength has not always translated into meaningful participation in political decision-making. The forum called for greater attention to youth priorities in political manifestos ahead of the 2027 General Election, including employment, affordable energy, peace, social justice and environmental sustainability.
Youth and the Renewable Energy Agenda
The forum linked Kenya's political future to the country's energy and climate challenges, highlighting the need for a Just Energy Transition centred on affordable, decentralised and renewable energy.
Participants discussed what they described as the paradox of “Green Electricity, Expensive Energy” and called on policymakers and political aspirants to provide clear and practical proposals for reducing energy costs while expanding access to clean energy.
The forum also encouraged citizens, youth groups and faith leaders to participate in the Renewable Energy Manifesto Campaign through the hashtags RenewableEnergyManifesto, AfrikaVuka, SeasonOfCreation and AffordableEnergyNow, documenting local energy challenges and calling for greater accountability.
Call for Peaceful Political Participation
The forum urged political leaders to place the wellbeing and future of young people at the centre of their manifestos and called for an electoral environment free from violence, manipulation, tribalism and hate speech.
“No blood should be shed for the interest of political seats. Youth should never again be hired and used for goons.”
Participants called for decent employment opportunities, social justice, peaceful coexistence and stronger action against corruption and nepotism.
Faith leaders were also encouraged to use their influence to guide young people towards peaceful civic participation, dialogue and responsible stewardship of the environment.
A Call for a Just Energy Transition
The Interfaith Youth Forum adopted a set of demands calling for:
- An end to fossil fuel subsidies and greater investment in renewable energy.
- No new fossil-fuel projects in Kenya.
- A rapid and equitable transition to renewable energy.
- A 100 per cent renewable energy system that is accessible to all.
- Action against greenwashing and false climate solutions.
- An energy system that holds polluters accountable.