As Kenya approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, new programs and community-led initiatives are emerging to address the economic and social challenges facing the nation’s youth. These efforts range from international partnerships focused on vocational training to grassroots programs that utilize sports and dialogue to foster national unity.
In the refugee-hosting counties of Turkana and Garissa, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched an initiative to support eight youth-led organizations. This program aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of young people in these regions, helping them develop locally driven solutions to employment challenges. By fostering these organizations, the initiative seeks to turn local obstacles into opportunities for decent work.
Complementing these efforts is the newly launched Strengthening Skills Training Ecosystems and Pathways (STEP) project. Funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by WUSC, this seven-year project focuses on improving the economic well-being of displaced and host-community youth in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab. The project intends to provide 5,500 young people with business coaching and mentorship, while connecting 1,800 individuals to digital employment opportunities. The program places a specific emphasis on supporting young women and people with disabilities through partnerships with technical and vocational training institutions and financial service providers.
Beyond economic development, there is a growing emphasis on the role of youth in civic engagement and peaceful political participation. As the 2027 elections draw near, political figures have begun engaging directly with the youth demographic, urging them to support their respective platforms. President William Ruto has recently toured the Gusi region, calling on young Kenyans to back his administration, while opposition figures have similarly addressed the youth, cautioning them against re-electing the current leadership.
Amidst this political discourse, civil society groups are working to ensure that youth participation remains constructive and peaceful. The "Active Citizens" initiative, supported by UNESCO, is utilizing a combination of rugby and intercultural dialogue to create spaces where young people can connect across tribal, political, and social lines. By engaging youth through sports and structured civic discussions, the program aims to promote peaceful electoral participation and encourage young people to prioritize action and inclusivity over divisive rhetoric.
These developments reflect a broader trend of integrating economic support with social cohesion efforts. Whether through international vocational training partnerships or community-based peace-building initiatives, stakeholders are increasingly focused on equipping Kenya’s youth with the skills and platforms necessary to navigate the country’s evolving economic and political landscape.
Sources
- Young leaders turn local challenges into opportunities for decent work in Kenya | International Labour Organization
- President Ruto calls on youth to back his leadership, questions opposition record
- Transforming Youth Inclusion in Refugee and Host Communities in Kenya: Introducing the STEP Project - WUSC: Global Education & Economic Solutions for Youth & Refugees
- Sifuna warns youth against re-electing Ruto, vows to lead ...
- UNESCO Youth for Peace: How rugby and civic dialogue are uniting
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