Calling on young people to participate in elections

The EU is engaging with musician and influencer Octopizzo, through the Octopizzo Foundation, on a new and inspirational campaign #Umechukua? (“Have you taken the Vote?) This series of concerts aims to remind young voters of the power they have in determining the future of their country, and encourage them to register as voters and maintain peace during the upcoming elections.

The Octopizzo Foundation works on a number of initiatives to empower underprivileged youth especially those from Kibera. This partnership with Octopizzo and the government’s official election body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) aims to reach nearly seven million new voters who comprise mostly young first time voters. Importantly, this campaign does not endorse any candidate, but rather encourages the Kenyan youth to get out and vote, and to maintain the peace following the elections.

This democratic message aligns strongly with the EU’s values.

Our delegation most recently collaborated with Octopizzo on the Africa-Europe Campaign, which aimed to improve young people’s understanding of our partnership with Africa. The European Union sees young people as key drivers for change on global issues.

The Africa Europe campaign slogan Together. Tomorrow. Today blends in with the #Umechukua campaign  as the tag line states‘Because what happens in Africa matters to Europe, and what happens in Europe matters to Africa. We have a shared future, or we have no future.’