Mtaani Konnect

Performances that Pave the Way to Peaceful Elections

Young people in Naivasha, Kenya are using creative mediums to support women peacebuilders and encourage youth to prevent violence during the upcoming election period.

Youth team, Mtaani Konnect from Kenya, wanted to address election violence caused by young people, given the upcoming general election in the country in 2022. The team carried out research by organising focus group discussions with mothers in Naivasha county, to understand their knowledge and role in preventing community violence.

Their findings were used to develop two spontaneous street theatre (also known as “magnetic theatre”) performances, which were held in four different locations in the community.

The team also produced a spoken word video to raise awareness about the role women, and mothers in particular, play in peacebuilding and the importance of youth doing their part to maintain peace during the election period. Young Cities supported the team through capacity building in research skills, team dynamics, and project management. Mtaani Konnect also received seed funding to carry out their campaign activities.