Influence of Power Dynamics on Youth Participation in Peace Building in Likoni Sub-County, Mombasa County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of power dynamics on youth participation in peace building in Likoni Sub County, Mombasa County, Kenya. The study was guided by Power Theory and examined how decision making, youth representation, leadership opportunities and community governance structures influence youth participation in peace building. The study adopted a mixed methods approach and a convergent parallel research design. The target population comprised youth aged 18–35 years in Likoni Sub County, with 384 respondents targeted and 311 usable questionnaires obtained. In addition, 10 key informants were purposively selected from community peace committees, village elders, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and local administration. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that youth were involved in decision making on community peace building issues, represented in community peace committees, given leadership opportunities and supported by community governance structures. However, unequal power relations continued to discourage meaningful youth participation in peace building. Pearson correlation analysis established a positive and statistically significant relationship between power dynamics and youth participation in peace building (r = .310, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis further showed that power dynamics had a positive and statistically significant influence on youth participation in peace building (B = .288, β = .291, t = 5.197, p < .001). The study concluded that power dynamics were critical in determining the level of youth participation in peace building in Likoni Sub County. The study recommended strengthening inclusive governance, increasing youth representation in decision making processes, providing leadership opportunities for youth, and enhancing cooperation between youth, village elders, community leaders and local administrators to promote meaningful youth participation in peace building.

Power dynamics, youth participation, peace building, decision making, youth representation, Likoni Sub County

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