By Ernest Mwanzi

Mbuki Mburu, a Public Policy and Youth Development advocate and a Bachelor of Art in International Relations graduate, Class of 2014 was recently named as a Laureate; Top 35 under 35 change makers in Africa for creating platforms and avenues where young people speak out.

Africa’s 35 Under 35 list recognizes young talents that stand out on the continent and in the world and some of Africa’s leading young change makers.

Mbuki has been commended for Co-founding the Youth Serving Organization Consortium, an association that strives to unify diverse youth voices through strategic collaboration and partnerships to make their voices heard at the highest political levels. The organization also seeks to increase the representation and participation of youth in policymaking structures and decision-making bodies in counties.

The consortium was also applauded for contributing to the design of the Affirmative action fund – Biashara Kenya fund to ease youth access to finance.

Mbuki has worked at national, regional and International levels where she has, among others, addressed the United Nations General assembly during the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD @25) , spoke at High Level Political Forum (HLPF) during the review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations headquarters and selected by United Nations department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) to speak during UN@75 celebration while discussing ‘Navigating Uncertainties’’; an intergenerational dialogue on COVID-19 and youth employment .

Locally, she has co-founded youth initiatives, led successful campaigns and lobbying initiatives such as #ShuleYanguCampaign and #NYCTuitakayo and also participated in development and review of policies affecting young people and championed public interest litigation in favor of young people’s interest.

To add to her numerous accolades, Mbuki is trained in Communications for Development, Monitoring & Evaluation, Adaptation & Learning and Programme Planning & Management from MS Training Center for Development Cooperation.