As the year drew to a close, the Y4C Advocates embarked on a new phase of their journey. Months of training and preparations culminated in an online refresher course with the lead Facilitator, which not only refreshed their knowledge on lessons learned, it had become an avenue where they could reflect, solve problems, and build their courage. It had seemed daunting on the ground, such as gaining government information on advocating, which was demystified at the end of the training and had become not obstacles but opportunities. The advocates at the end of the training would take their voices from the training room into a platform where decisions are made.
Then came the chance that would transform learning into lived experience: the FY 2026/2027 Public Sector Hearings, which marked the first step in the national budgeting process. Eager to take the voices of their constituents to national forums were the Samburu and West Pokot delegations.
From 19th to 21st, four Y4C Advocates braved the Public Sector Hearings in Nairobi. “The first day was all about trying to find our feet,” said Mikaela Naramat, one of the four advocates who took part in the hearings. “The room was formal and technical and daunting,” continued Mikaela. “And yet it’s from that very room that we saw something wonderful, kids owning the place and giving opinions without fear,” said Nicholas Arole. “Those kids impressed me, I am challenged to do better,” Brian Somot
Then on day two, hesitation gave way to bravery. The group started asking questions to seek clarification on how issues in Samburu and West Pokot are factored into national budgets. They were not only speaking for themselves, but for a whole generation of youngsters back home who are normally never accorded a place at such tables.
After all the hearings, it was clear that there was an shift. These advocates were no longer spectators. Rather, participants. Representatives. Voices. “I think we have feared to be part of the conversations that impact our lives but being here is a reminder, that our lives are ours to make, ours to influence” Christine Nangidae.
This was an important milestone as it symbolized an empowering shift, from training rooms to decision-making rooms, from learning rights to exercising those rights. It is an important reminder that when youth are equipped, entrusted, and given access, they not only show up, they decide the future.