Youth Leagues

Central Region Youth Leagues

Consultative and Strategy Forum
3 June 2021
White Rhino Hotel, Nyeri

www.theyouthcongress.org
 Content
Acronyms and Abbreviations ii
Acknowledment iii
Executive summary iv
Introduction 2
Opening Speeches 3

Youth Leagues Understanding the Journey and Vision

Keynote Speeches 14
10

Plenary Commentary, Questions & Answers 29

Central Region Youth Leagues
Launch of The Youth Leagues in the CEREB 33
Consultative and Strategy Forum
CEREB Couties’ Socio-Economic Outlook 35
3 June 2021 Mapping Youth Issues - Challenges & Solutions 43
Youth Leadership at CEREB 55
White Rhino Hotel, Nyeri
CEREB Youth League Profiles 58
About The Youth Leagues 65
Recommendation 67
Conclusion 69
List of participants 73
Bibliography 76
About The Youth Congress 77

c The Youth Congress

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please contact: info@theyouthcongress.org i
 Acronyms & Abbreviations Acknowledgement
AGPO Access to Government Procurement Opportunities The Youth Congress is grateful to youth formations that are members of The Youth
CBO Community Based Organization League drawn from the ten (103) counties of CEREB that took time to participate in the
CEREB Central Kenya Economic Bloc consultative and strategy forum to provide a platform where ideas that can change
CG County Government
the communities, counties and national conversation on various socioeconomic
EABL East African Breweries Limited
issues affecting the youth.
FIDA International Federation of Women Lawyers
FGM Female Genital Mutilation
We are grateful to our partners for their contribution to the Youth Leagues in Kenya,
GBV Gender-Based Violence
GoK Government of Kenya
particularly the Ford Foundation, the Canadian High Commission, and the Kenya
HERAF Health Rights Advocates Forum Community Development Foundation.
IEBC Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
ICOSEED Integrated Community Organization for Sustainable Empowerment We are thankful for the contribution of the presenters and speakers; Hon. Esther
and Education for Development Ndungu (Nyeri CECM – Gender, Youth & Social Services), Dr Annette Schwander
KAS Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung), Julius Gitau (State Department of Youth), and Ann
KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute Waruguru (Youth Agenda) who provided valuable insights that laid the foundation
KeRRA Kenya Rural Roads Authority for mapping out SEKEB issues and strategies for consideration.
KES Kenya Shillings
KFS Kenya Forest Service We appreciate the Secretariat led by Raphael Obonyo (Convenor), Stanley Ogola
KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (Program Coordinator), Halima Hanii (Programme Officer), and Christine Osongo
KNCCI Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Finance Officer) for their technical support.
KURA Kenya Urban Roads Authority
KYDP Kenya Youth Development Policy We recognise the contribution of Stephen Irungu (conference planning) and Charles
KYEOP Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project Waweru (rapporteur) for the planning and coordination of the CEREB Youth Leagues
MoH Ministry of Health Consultative and Strategy Forum to great success. We also appreciate the media
NACADA National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse
coverage provided by Royal Media Services, Media Max, Magic Reel Pictures, Kameme
NCCK National Council of Churches of Kenya
TV, TV 47, Capital FM, and People Daily.
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
NETFUND National Environment Trust Fund
Asanteni.
NGAAF National Government Affirmative Action Fund
NGAO National Government Administration Officers
NGCDF National Government Constituency Development Fund
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NLC National Land Commission
PPP Public-Private Partnerships
PWD Person With Disability
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SRH Sexual Reproductive Health
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
USAID United States Agency for International Development
VSO Kenya Voluntary Service Overseas Kenya

ii iii

Executive Summary
The Central Region Economic Bloc
(CEREB) Youth Leagues Consultative &
Strategic Forum was held on 3 June 2021
in Nyeri County and brought together
youth representatives from groups and
organizations from the counties of Meru,
Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Nyandarua, Nyeri,
Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia,
and Nakuru. Through the unveiling of the
Manifesto for The Youth Congress and a
Manual for Youth Leagues in Kenya, the
convening pledged to form a united front
in the tackling of socio-economic issues
in the region and Kenya.
Organizing is extremely critical for the
success of any constituency especially the
youth. For a long time, youth have been
used and abused, and their energies
and numbers have counted for nothing.
We must not ask ourselves what will the
future of the youth be in Kenya or even,
what might the future of Kenya look like
– but what role the youth might play in
influencing Kenya’s future.
Duty bearers from across the counties,
as well as those from the national level,
had the opportunity to interact with a
generation of youth leaders keen on
occupying their space and arriving at a
medium-term consensus on how the
youth can interact with the systems in
place.
The forum commenced after a welcoming
remark from Stephen Irungu who noted
that despite the devastating impact of
COVID-19, the youth have been able to
utilize social media in advocating for
their interests. Such was later affirmed
by Nicodemus Sakayo, the Regional
Coordinator from the South Eastern
Region who remarked on the Husika
Project, a social media platform that
has been instrumental in shaping the
iv
conversation on the Makueni County
Youth Policy. The convenors were also
welcomed by Elizabeth Muthoni
who opined that one needs to develop
resilience to overcome the protracted
delays in realizing one’s rights and needs.
Following the welcoming address,
Henry Ogolla, from the Youth Congress,
traced the origins of the Youth Congress
and highlighted the key program areas
with one being the formation of the
Youth Leagues.
The aim of the Youth Leagues and The
Youth Congress is so much a subject
of dealing with the current problem
in representation (both in terms of
description and political, social, and
economic place of the youth) and as
such, we desire to provide the image of
youth that shall redirect many prevailing
stereotypes. To walk this path, Raphael
Obonyo, the Convenor of the Youth
Congress reiterated that “Nothing can
be more important than organizing
if Kenyan youth want to change their
condition and position, and realize
freedoms.”
Dr Annette Schwander from the
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung opined
that since the youth are the agents of
development, they need to be closely
involved in the development of policies.
Moreover, inclusivity and sustainability
in government can only be achieved
through the inclusion of the youth as
successful democracies need the active
participation of young people.
Hon. Esther Ndungu, from the County
Government of Nyeri, appreciated the
critical position enjoyed by the youth in the
county that in turn was the reason behind
having youth issues cutting across all
“
Let’s work
together to
ensure youth
inclusion and “ core of her speech was on youth identity
development
departments. The convening was made
aware of the groundbreaking efforts of
the County Government in empowering
the youths through various programs
such as the County Internship Program,
Enterprise Development Fund, Kenya
Climate-Smart Agriculture Project, and
other PPP projects. However, she noted
that the full realization of the potential of
the youth shall be best achieved where
the youth support one another in all their
positive endeavours.
Executive Summary
During the forum, Julius Gitau, from the
State Department of Youth expounded on
the role of the Kenya Youth Development
Policy in creating an enabling environment
of the maximum realization of the potential
of the youths. The Director further urged
the youths to utilize affirmative action
funds to the fullest keeping in mind that
any business needs to have humble
beginnings.
Ann Waiguru from the Youth Agenda gave
an inspiring speech where she reminded
the youth need to remember that nothing
is impossible as long one is willing to put in
the work and believe in themselves. At the
where she urged the youth to know who
they are as no one shall take their time to
find out who they are. Delegates drawn
from the ten (10) counties were then invited
to form county-based causes and map key
issues that were most pertinent to their
respective counties with a view of laying the
foundation to multi-sectoral partnership
and collaborations in solving the issues.
The need for political power as a tool of
mapping out the destiny of the youth
nation was tested when delegates were
called upon to form a committee of interim
leaders. At the CEREB forum, participants
resolved to have each county electing
their leader at the county level. The ten (10)
county leaders proceeded to appoint their
regional leader through consensus.
Through an organized and disciplined
youth, our nation can be graced with
leaders with fidelity to the Constitution. A
new and better Kenya will be achieved only
if youth move away from the vices of the
political leadership of the older generation:
corruption, politics of division, greed,
enslavement by foreign interests, and other
forms of injustice.
v
 Introduction
Kenya is at a crossroads on the issue of its young people. With a bulging youth
population, the country has a window of opportunity to expand its labour force
and increase its economic growth, savings and investments while decreasing
its dependency. Such is the reason why now more than ever, the youth need
to be better organized.

The Central Region Economic Bloc (CEREB) Youth Leagues Consultative &
Strategic Forum was held on 3 June 2021 in Nyeri County and brought together
youth representatives from groups and organizations from the counties of
Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu,
Laikipia, and Nakuru.

Over thirty (30) youth organizations in all the ten (10) counties of CEREB
came together to form a Regional Youth League to champion the agenda of
promoting youth-centric solutions to societal challenges.

With the recent enact publishing of the Kenya Youth Development Policy
(2019), the Youth Congress found it prudent to lay the groundwork for the
organizing of youth caucuses with shared values to champion youth causes
as a united front from the grassroots to the national level.

The convening of the CEREB Youth Leagues Consultative & Strategy Forum is
grounded and supported by Article 28 (Human Dignity), Article 32 (Freedom
of Conscience, Religion & Opinion), Article 37 (Assembly, Demonstration,
Picketing, and Petition), Article 43 (Economic and Social Rights), Article
55 (Youth), and Article 100 (Promotion of Representation of Marginalized
Groups) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

At the start of the convening, participants expressed their desire to form a

network of youth organizations that shall organize and mobilize youth to
speak with a single voice whenever championing a cause at the grassroots,
county, and national levels. Since independence, youthfulness was generally
performed in the public sphere as a negative when it came to the question of
political leadership. Kenya as a country has had an established trend requiring
one to make a name elsewhere before making a plunge into politics. Perhaps
with the formation of the Youth Leagues, a paradigm shift in the grooming of
leaders is before us.

1 2
 Opening Speeches
Stephen Irungu
Coordinator, Kabaru Youth Achievers

Enhancing Youth
Engagements for Posterity
The choice of hosting the Central Region Economic Bloc, that is CEREB, in Nyeri is a
welcoming sign of the abundance of avenues for engagement that the county can
offer. The planning of this convening goes back to 2019 when various CSOs in the region
were welcomed to take up the opportunity to be part of this youth journey.

Suffice to say that the hundreds of applicants who expressed their desire to be part of
the Youth League is a statement of what it means for the youth who have a common
vision in forming a united front. All the current convenors underwent a comprehensive
selection process to ensure that all who convene share the same ideology.

With the advent of the COVID-19, our journey for this convening was put on hold,
like many other activities in our lives, to give a chance for the community to come
to terms with the new normal. One needs not say much on the impact of Covid19 in
our community, as it is evident especially on matters of human interaction. Indeed,
the ability of the youth to interact with information technology meant that more
engagements could continue via social media tools especially WhatsApp. Today’s
convening is welcomed as various youth actors from the county level can now interact
physically following months of online interaction. More importantly, it is pleasing to
see the vocal youth actors who are often vibrant online to be the same leaders of the
various CSOs that have made it to today’s convening.

Lastly, the presence of national and county government officials in today’s engagement
offers an opportunity for enhanced stakeholder engagement. In particular, the

“
presence of Hon. Esther Ndung’u, the CECM of Gender, Youth and Social Services from
the County Government of Nyeri, is a clear indication of the efforts from the County Social media tools such as
Government to ensure that youth interests are secured from all quarters and partners. WhatsApp have proved to be
To the various youth leaders from across the ten counties of CEREB, the Youth League
offers an opportunity that we cannot let pass. an essential must-have tool
for youth engagements
“
in the era of the Covid-19
pandemic.

3 4
 Speeches

Elizabeth Muthoni
Founding Member, Voice of Nyeri Initiative

Harnessing the Potential of Youths

for Socio-Economic Development
The convening of youths drawn from different counties of Kenya is a mark of
determination and the sacrifice that youth leaders are ready to make for their
constituents. Issues facing the youth across the counties in the region are more than
likely going to be cross-cutting. Nevertheless, the youth need to acquire the requisite
skills that shall enable them to be able to lobby duty bearers for the desired resources
to overcome the challenges.

When it comes to lobbying for youth issues, the youth need to understand that lobbying
in itself is a challenge. For example, you may lobby an issue at the County Government
only for a duty bearer to inform you that the matter is best handled by the National
Government and vice versa. In such circumstances, one needs to develop resilience to
overcome the protracted delays in realizing one’s rights and needs. Through interactions
in forums such as today’s convening, youth can build their capacity through learning
on best practices from fellow youths.

Lastly, when the General Elections fast approaching, the youth need to prepare for
the challenges of clamouring for elective seats. Perhaps, through such forums and
development partners, the youth may gain the required skills on how to navigate
through political campaigns.

“ Youth in Africa need opportunities,

they represent dynamism, talent
and energy that must be harnessed
“
for the continent to make real
progress.

5 6

Henry Ogolla
Programs Coordinator, The Youth Congress
Youth Formation:
Building Blocks for Emancipation
The Youth Congress traces its origins to
the run-up to the 2007 general elections
in Kenya as part of efforts by youth to
seek development and emancipation
through political accountability where the
youth can engage in a meaningful and
purposeful dialogue between themselves
and the stakeholders.
The Youth Congress envisions an inclusive
societyinwhichtheyouthenjoyallrightsand
apply their agency whilst being anchored
on the principles of independence,
integrity, volunteerism, accountability,
transparency, professionalism, reliability,
responsibility, solidarity, resilience, non-
discrimination, and dynamism.
The growth of the Youth Congress has in part
been on account of its focus on four (4) key
thematic areas: policy & research, youth
& leadership, youth entrepreneurship,
talent and innovation, and institutional
development.
The Youth Congress has on various
occasions championed the development
of key issues within the Republic. For
example, the Youth Congress is a leading
voice in the growth and development
of youth voice within the Blue Economy
conversation from 2018 through the
facilitation of nationwide dialogues and
research on the same. Case in point, the
Youth Congress convened a Youth and
Blue Economy Conference at the UN
Office in Nairobi where the delegates
issued a DeclarACTION on how the youth
ought to be involved in the development
7 and were admitted into the Youth Leagues.
Speeches
“ The Youth Congress serves as a
reliable youth agent that is
self-driven, community-rooted, and
“
human rights-based formation of
the youth for the youth.
of the blue economy. Such then
informed the convening of blue economy
multistakeholder forums in the Coast
Region and Lake Region where youths
in the blue economy interacted with
stakeholders and duty bearers from the
sector.
Moreover, the Youth Congress played a
key stakeholder role, within the technical
committee, in the development of the
Kenya Youth Development Policy (2019).
Moreover, through the convening of the
National Youth Congress that allows youth
leaders from across the country to meet
with duty bearers and exchange ideas that
shape Kenya’s socio-economic policy.
The Youth Congress is keen to
empower the youth through its Youth
Entrepreneurship Support Programme.
Budding entrepreneurs are according to
the opportunity to respond to a call for
support after mapping and identification
of communities in greatest need of
economic empowerment.
The current CEREB Youth League
Consultative & Strategy Forum is a part of
a series of the nationwide convening of
youth-led organizations at their respective
regions that was launched in Nairobi on
17 December 2020 followed by the Lake
Region convening on 27 January 2021 and
thereafter one in the Coast Region on 11
February 2021 and most recently on 19
March 2021 in the South Eastern Region. In
total, there is about 500 youth organization
drawn from 47 counties that expressed
8

Raphael Obonyo
Convener, The Youth Congress
Understanding the Journey
and Vision
The Kenyan State is obligated to take
appropriate measures to ensure socio-
economic and political development
of youth through education, training
and employment. It is only through the
involvement of the youth estate that the
Republic can truly claim to be amongst
the world of nations that recognize all
persons of all ages, gender, and ethnicity.
Nevertheless, the youth need not wait for
the State to give them their rights. The
youths need to take those rights.
Kenya’s demography is currently tilting
towards a generational change where
the youth have, like any other interest
group, the critical mass required to effect
the desired change in the way in which
both society and Government deals with
them. Indeed, the Youth Congress, in its
desire to begin the process of shaping
the future of the youth, sort to organize
themselves through the utilizing of
resources to provide a platform for youth
to have meaningful engagement in
various socioeconomic issues. Such is the
calling that led to the Youth Congress
taking the conversation further into
forming the Youth Leagues that shall in
turn form the foundation for organizing
the youth.
“ Youth are reshaping the present and
creating a better future by utilizing
“
their dynamism, talent
and energy.
9 10
Speeches
A cursory examination of data from the
IEBC reveals the intention of the youth to
seek to control their future. For example,
the registered voters aged between
18 and 35 constituted 51% of the entire
database. But what does this number
truly mean for the youth? Yes, youth
have the numbers. But if numbers were
horses, youth today would be riding high-
we would be the strongest. Numbers will
count for nothing if we are not organized.
It is said, and it is true, that the only
difference between a mob and an army is
organization. Such are the realities on the
ground that makes one note that nothing
can be more important than organizing
if Kenyan youth want to change their
condition and realize freedoms.
Despite such a high voter registration
number from this constituent, only 23%
of the registered electoral candidates
(3,428 out of the 14,523), were aged
between 18 and 35. Whereas the number
is low vis-à-vis the number of youth
voters, it is encouraging to note that 314
youth candidates went on to be elected
in August 2017 with one, elected as a
Governor. Sadly, the number, compared
to the total available elective slots of 1,910,
represents a meagre 16% of youths in
elective office.

Elective Position
2017 Presidential 0 0 0
Senatorial 6 0 6
General
Member of National Assembly 14 3 17
Election
Woman Member of National Assembly 0 3 3
Youth Gubernatorial 1 0 1
Candidates Member of County Assembly 274 13 287
However, it is impressive to see how young
people have taken the lead in other areas.
They are the drivers of the private sector
economy through highly advanced
technologies and systems, which can be
replicated with great success if applied in
politics.
It is also inspiring to see many young
people at the community level stand
for human rights and social justice. We
also have young people in civil society,
in Parliament, and places of worship.
These youth leadership roles can provide
beacons to open up more leadership
spaces.
Suffice to note that the low numbers of
youth occupying public elective offices
are a pointer to the unenviable challenge
of being organized. Compared to women,
the youth are yet to reap the benefits of
their numbers; for example, women have
a designated representative cast in the
Constitution of Kenya (2010), unlike the
youth who have to rely upon nomination
slots. Unless the youth decide to get
organized, achieving youth-centric
socioeconomic development across the
Republic would be difficult.
11
Gender
Total
Male Female
Total 295 19 314
Kenya of the future – or should I say the
world of the now – is being shaped by the
youth – a significant part of the country’s
population, which collectively can
determine the direction and enjoyment
of rights and freedoms. Youth harbour
adequate energies and innovativeness to
take a change of their future.
Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity
for the youth to reclaim their destiny.
Youths must refuse to follow the script of
the old order and the political elites. Fifty
years is too long for the youth to keep
waiting for an opportunity to change their
situation. It is now evident that this will
never come easily. Youth must refuse to
be passive recipients and instead play an
integral role in championing their rights
and the realization of socio-economic and
political independence. This is the only
way they will truly be free and prosper.
There is nothing for us without us; the
youth must be ready to be part of the
national conversation on political power
not only on the county but also national
agenda. Why should we allow others,
who are not youths to speak on our
behalf? The Youth League presents that
opportunity to ensure that the youth are
not a menu but instead sit at the table as
patrons.
By establishing youth leagues in all the
47 counties, The Youth Congress will
help to build a strong youth voice and
collective action that will help to improve
the condition and position of youth at all
levels
Central to the call for the organization
of the Youth Leagues are based in
four core reasons:
(a) Help youth to better organize;
(b) Champion youth agenda at the
county and national level;
(c) Build a strong youth voice and
collective action and;
(d) Expand cooperation and coordi-
nation.
Remember that when you sing alone,
you shall not be as loud as when you are
singing together with others. Through
the Youth Leagues, various youth agents
shall get the opportunity to build a
strong youth voice for collective action.
Through such a voice, the youth shall be
better placed to expand their avenues
for cooperation and collaboration.
From the platform, the Youth Congress
pledges to provide the members of the
Youth Leagues linkages to its network of
partners who may wish to support either
specific causes or youth formation.
However, for the youth to be better placed
in realizing the idea of Youth League, there
is a need to convert the mob of youth
into an army of youth through adhering
to a set of organizational doctrines that
are being guided by the core values and
Speeches
criteria for leadership and Integrity that
is also enshrined in Chapter Six, Article
2 of Kenya’s Constitution. As this matter
of values is central to the organizing for
youths, we would like to promote, protect
and adhere to principles of leadership
and integrity.
The Manifesto for Youth Leagues and
Manual for Youth Leagues in Kenya
shall provide the guide for steering the
conversation from the grassroots level
to the national level. Whereas sceptics
might aver that this is not the first time
the youth are seeking to be organized,
the Manifesto comes at a different time
and from a different crop of leaders
who view the document as the missing
ingredient for the success of organizing
various youth organizations.
As the saying goes- ‘If you want to go
fast, walk alone but if you want to go
far walk with others’. Youth must get
better organized and strive to act in unity
regardless of our ethnicity, faith, gender,
sexual orientation, political inclinations
and where we come from. Unite we must.
We must unite or we will perish. Our
progress resides in our union and unity.
The Youth Congress would want to go
far and thus invite youth actors from
across the Republic to first get organized
then-champion agendas with a united
front. Remember, change begins at the
grassroots level.
12
 Key Note Speeches
Dr. Annette Schwander
Country Director,
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Access to Opportunities & Actualizing the

Expectation of the Modern Youth in Kenya
Promoting & Consolidating Democracy through Youths
Freedom, justice, and solidarity are the basic principles underlying the work of the
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. To foster peace and freedom, we encourage a continuous
dialogue at the national and international levels, as well as exchange between
cultures and religions. KAS is keen on the development of democracy, rule of law,
and international cooperation in Africa. KAS also promotes peace and security in the
continent. The globalized world enables the sharing of experience and enable actors to
learn from each other.

Kenya holds a unique position in Africa on account of its progressive constitution.

How best actors move towards implementing the Constitution is crucial for political
development and the stabilization of democracy. The youth need to position themselves
in ensuring that their interests are secured in not only the constitution but also other
national policies. With the bourgeoning youth population, young people need to
increase their role in political development.

Compared to Germany and other European counties, Kenya’s society is very young
whereby 60% of its youth population is younger than 25 years. The situation is different
in Germany and other European countries where only 22% of the population is aged
less than 25 years.

“ Youth need to understand that

their future is in their hands and only
they have the potential to necessitate
“
any desired change in their
development.

13 14
 In Kenya, young people can be the Lastly, KAS is keen to collect feedback DEMOGRAPHY OF CEREB
key agents in building a democratic from young Kenyans on their perspective
culture and society. Inclusivity and on the dynamics of the upcoming 2022 40%
sustainability in government can only General Election and the corresponding 37%
34%
be achieved through the inclusion of needs of the potential young leader with 33%
34% 34%
32% 32%
the youth. Successful democracies need a view of using such views in adjusting 31% 30%
the active participation of young people. our training program thereby ensuring
You are the majority of the population. that our trainees receive a dynamic and
You have a huge responsibility for your need-based training program. 22.6%
20.2%
future. Therefore, you have to engage in
government and development. Suffice to say that the work of KAS in 14.4%
Since the youth are the agents of Kenya is guided by the understanding
development, they need to be closely that democracy and rule of law are 9.9%
involved in the development of policies. mandatory for a peaceful future in Kenya. 5.7% 6.0% 7.1% 5.7%
3.7% 4.8%
In this regard, KAS is keen on enabling By carrying out activities for political 3.2% 3.3%
3.9%
2.9% 3.1% 3.3%
2.5% 1.8% 1.6% 1.6%
the youth to better engaging with their leaders and members of civil society, we
society through several programs. KAS encourage participants to engage in the
undertakes workshops and seminars political process.

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on citizens’ rights and duties, we enable

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participants to actively engage in the

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political process, make use of their rights,

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and hold politicians accountable. In so

A
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County population as a % CEREB population
doing, the young people are equipped
CEREB
to develop the problem-solving skills that % of youth (15-35) in the county

Youth
COUNTIES
shall in turn enable them to be better % of population of PWD in the count y
placed in solving societal challenges.

Another key program that KAS engages population

in the Central
in is a Scholarship and Culture Program
that seeks to nurture democratic ideals
to students and graduates of exceptional ELECTORAL ENGAGEMENT IN 2017 GENERAL ELECTIONS
academic achievement and outstanding
political or social commitment. One key Kenya Nakuru 79.4%
requirement for applicants is possession
of broad general education and distinct region is 34% LAIKIPIA 80.9%

CEREB COUNTIES
interest in political issues, and have a KIAMBU 83.4%
positive attitude towards democracy and MURANGA 86.7%
human rights. Furthermore, you should KIRINYAGA 86.3%
have been actively engaged in voluntary
work for the benefit of the people and the NYERI 86.6%
society in your home country. Essentially, NYANDARUA 86.2%
the program seeks to post candidates to EMBU 81.1%
companies where they can gain practical
THARAKA NITHI 81.9%
economic skills that they can then take
back to their home country. MERU 77.3%

% OF VOTES CAST

15 16

Hon. Esther Ndungu
Nyeri CECM –
Gender, Youth & Social Services
Cementing the Pillars of Youth
Engagement in Nyeri
Hosting such youth conventions in
Nyeri County is a welcoming statement
of the role that the county can play in
marshalling the youth into purposeful
caucuses that champion their interests.
The youths of Mt. Kenya Region are not
only energetic but also innovative and
are keen on ensuring they play a key
role in the socioeconomic development
of Kenya. H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
never relents tapping into the energies of
the Nyeri youths as he fully understands
their potential and what the Couty
Governments seek to gain by involving
them in governance. From this convening,
one should not be surprised if the next
county or national leader emerges from
this room. In this regard, players such
as the Youth Congress are welcome in
walking the journey with other state
actors in shaping the future of the youths
of this country.
“
The success of the
youth constituents is
pegged on their ability
to support one “
another in every
endeavour
17
Key Note Speeches
The County Government of Nyeri has
rolled out several programs targeting
the youth. Key to note is that youth
issues are mainstreamed across all
the ten (10) departments of the Nyeri
County Government. The vast majority of
information on activities, opportunities
and events of the County Government are
readily available on our website. From the
website, one can even access the tenders
advertised.
The County Government is a firm believer
and enforcer of AGPO thus making sure
that 30% of the tender are allocated to
youth, women and persons living with
a disability. Sadly, our youths are yet to
take up the full allocation of tenders
under AGPO thus making the Executive
open the tenders to others. Nevertheless,
the County Government continues to
work closely with the National Treasury
in sensitizing the youth in taking up
these opportunities. Capital should not
be a huge concern on account of the
numerous affirmative funds’ programs
with the National Government.
The Nyeri County Internship Program
was a first in the country whereby the
County Government launched an annual
internship program in 2018. To date, 600
youths have gone through the program.
The annual cohort intake is about 200;
some of the interns, about 50, have
gone on to be absorbed by the County
18

Government on account of not only the
need but also the performance of the
interns. The program is open to youths
from other counties as well. Each intern
is assigned a mentor who shall take them
through the journey of understanding
public service. Youths interested in the
program should check our website every
September for the intake guidelines.
The success of the program is evidenced
by other counties who come for
benchmarking.
One of the key challenges in Nyeri
County is unemployment. An inquiry
into the subject matter revealed that
the core reason behind a high rate of
youth unemployment was on account
of the youth lacking the skills for the
current job market. In this regard, the
County Government decided to refurbish
polytechnics and upgrade it to vocational
institutions that would in turn be used to
offer job market skills to the youth. To date,
19
there are about 39 vocational institutions
with a current enrolment of 3,500+. All
high school graduates regardless of their
academic performance are advised to
take up training at TVETs.
The County Government established
the Enterprise Development Fund in
2018 under the Department of Trade.
The fund offers Business Financing,
LPO and LSO financing, Technology
Acquisition, Asset Financing – the asset is
the security and Agribusiness Financing
at an affordable interest rate of 5% p.a. on
reducing balance. Before loan acquisition,
prospective applicants are taken through
financial literacy training to ensure
maximum prudential utilization of loans.
Similarly, the Nyeri Women, Youth & PWD
Empowerment Program seeks to give
business merchandise to youth, women
and PWD groups that seek to empower
themselves at the grassroots level.
As it was alluded to earlier, youth issues
are canvassed across all departments
including that of Agriculture. In particular,
the department rolled out the Kenya
Climate-Smart Agriculture Project
(KCSAP) that seeks to increase agricultural
productivity and build resilience to
climate change risks in the targeted
smallholder farming. The project provides
funds to youth, women, and PWD looking
to venture into agribusiness.
In addition to the above, the County
Government is keen on PPP as a means
to complement various development
projects. For example, the County
partnered with USAID Kenya in rolling out
the KYEOP where 700+ youth underwent
technical skills training and agriculture.
The program’s success led to the County
Government engaging 35 other partners
in enhancing the youth empowerment
agenda. One such partner is Coca Cola
who through the Kuuza Kazi Program
shall see our youths join their value chain.
Key Note Speeches
Whereas the County Government is keen
on empowering the youths, challenges
such as radicalization are emerging
concerns that H.E the Governor is
tackling in partnership with the National
Government. Alcohol, drugs and
substance abuse has impacted our youths
to the extent that the County was ranked
sixth (6th) in the Country. To this end,
the County is establishing rehabilitation
centres to arrest the menace.
In conclusion, the youth need to support
each other in various endeavours. Only
through supporting one another can the
youth emerge and take up the leadership
of the county and national government.
On its part, the County Government shall
not relent in supporting youth initiatives.
On its part, the County is on track to
domesticating the KYDP and as such is
seeing a future where the youths of Nyeri
live in an enabling environment.
20
 Julius Gitau
Nyeri County Director,
State Department for Youth Affairs
Leading Government Organizations in
Developing and Empowering Youth for Holistic
Participation in National Development
It is very encouraging to see youths
coming together, under the umbrella
of the Youth Congress, and engage on
issues affecting their constituents. The
State Department for Affairs is keen
on forming a partnership with various
stakeholders who have the interest of
the youth at heart in complementing the
work of the Government. The premise
behind our approach is based on the
fact that young people are the drivers of
the socioeconomic agenda of any state
as they have the energy, curiosity, and
numbers. A closer examination of some
of the government policy would reveal
that the State works towards making sure
the young person lives in an enabling
environment for their socioeconomic
growth and development.
The Government of Kenya has several
socioeconomic programs targeting the
youth. All these programs are anchored
on the Kenya Youth Development Policy
that came into effect in 2019. KYDP is part
of the Government policy commitment
for greater cohesive society, equitable,
inclusive and participatory economic
and social process for sustainable
development. The goal of KYDP is to
promote holistic empowerment and
21
participation of the youth in socio-
economic and political development for
themselves, the country and the future.
In other words, KYDP aims to ensure
adequate youth development and
empowerment while harnessing their
potential for a productive engagement
at the local, county, national and
international levels. KYDP envisions a
society where youth have an equal and
responsible opportunity to realize their
full potential and aspirations in socio-
economic and political spheres, through
honest and hard work.
The above framework as set out in
the KYDP leaves one to conclude that
the youth are no longer the leaders
of tomorrow but that of today. Such is
evident when you examine the attributes
of the private sector. The private sector
often tends towards having a bias in hiring
young people because the drivers of the
private sector are those between the ages
of 18 and 40. Once you clock that upper
bracket, the private sector slowly starts
“
to push you away from their system to
create room for another younger person. Youth are no longer
The youth need to take advantage of
such a system regardless of some of the
“
the leaders of tomorrow
barriers to acquiring such opportunities. but that of today.
22
 Key Note Speeches

By having a change in mindset, the youth can overcome

numerous challenges that enable them to position themselves
in the economy. For example, the ICT sector is full of young
people as they created a niche for themselves. Just imagine a
scenario where the youth create another niche for themselves
in another economic sector.

The ability of the youth to form niches in other economic

sectors is possible if the youth utilize the various opportunities
available in the numerous socioeconomic programs that
target the youth into ensuring they participate in the economic
development. Affirmative funds offer the youth an opportunity
to realize the goals envisioned in the KYDP. Sadly, the youth
such as those from Tetu Constituency are yet to utilize such
funds.

In Tetu Constituency alone, KES 9 million lies untapped yet the

youth from the area need funds for business development.
Upon a closer inquiry as to why they are yet to take up the
funds, the response is that the allocation per unit is too little.
The youth need to realize that no amount of money is too little
to start a business. For example, there is one such lady, in her
30s, who acquired affirmative funds from the Government. Her
daily gross sales are KES 40,000 with the profit in the region
of KES 12,000.00 per day and approximately KES 360,000.00
per month. Her business took off with KES 50,000.00 and not
the millions that some belief is required to have a successful
business.

The youth need to change their mindset and utilize these

funds as the government is keen on assisting them. Soon, the
government shall roll out the Biashara Fund Kenya which shall
be an amalgamation of the Youth Enterprise Development Only

13.7%
Fund, Women Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund to enable
efficiency and objectivity in disbursement as well as save
the taxpayers unnecessary operational expenses incurred
in running the three funds independently. Under Biashara
Fund, Women, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities
will be eligible for loans if they are in a registered group. The
Government is keen to make access to credit for the youth easy.
of farming
Youths need to get out of their cocoons and make every effort households in
to utilize affirmative funds, AGPO, KYEOP, Kazi Mtaani Program, Central Kenya
Ajira Digital Program, and any other program that is out there.
practice
Commercial
Agriculture.
23 24

Ann Waruguru
Director, Youth Agenda
Reimagining Youth Movements in Kenya
The youth of Kenya need not look too far
away when it comes to examples of youth
leadership. Raphael Obonyo is one such
individual who through his initiatives and
that of the Youth Congress has set the bar
high on matters of youth representation.
Though youth leaders like Raphael, one
can get to be inspired and hope especially
where one has doubt. The youth need to
remember that nothing is impossible as
long one is willing to put in the work and
believe in themselves. Key to success is
that one needs to be humble and graceful
in all their endeavours. Nevertheless, one
needs to remember that to whom much
is given, much shall be expected.
When it comes to youth representation,
the Youth Congress has truly championed
the cause of the youth especially when
it comes to organizing the youth into a
united front towards a common agenda.
As a young person, there are four key
things that one needs to mention.
Firstly, youth need to come to terms with
the question of youth identity. If you do
not know who you are, nobody out there
is willing to spend time to figure you out.
You need to know who you are; what is
your purpose, what is your vision, what
makes you tick? I am prone to chaos,
“
If you do not know who
are, nobody out there is
“ an ascension and lack the kind of friends
willing to spend time to
figure you out.
25
Key Note Speeches
in that, I always look forward to causing
good troubles. For example, whenever
I notice everyone going north, I would
ask why are we not heading south. I feel
that this is particularly important as in
this life, many young voices have been
killed because of following. That unique
voice that you have, that unique identity
that you have as a youth leader is what
shall make the difference. You need to
feel proud to make constructive chaos
as the absence of it, then there shall be a
missing perspective.
Secondly, youth need to look back into
the life and history of our current wazees.
Back in time when they were young, they
often used to interact with one another
closely. For example, they would either
be in school together, be in romantic
relationships together, or in some cases
be building movements together. Years
later, that camaraderie has transformed
into political unions or executive
appointments.
In this regard, the youths who assemble
in forums such as these need to make
sure they make friends with those sitting
next to them because, in a few years,
those who sit next to you shall have
progressed further in leadership at the
national or county level. When such an
accession happens, the bonds that were
formed here today shall be the basis
of some of the leadership formations
that shall govern this country. The only
tragedy to the above is getting to such
that our current leaders have. For the
women youth leaders, there is a need to
be aggressive and aware of the stakes.
There is a clear difference between how
men survive in political leadership and
that of women.
26
15
 The calling for the youths to build
movements cannot be emphasized
more. Those around you today are the
same people who may come to rally
behind you at the hour of need. Whereas
one might wish to be the solo superhero,
a lone ranger, nobody shall remember
you, nobody shall fight for you especially
in a room that you are not present and
matters that interest you are being
discussed. Youths need to walk together
and that starts from knowing the youths
sitting next to you.
Another interesting perspective that we
youth need to be aware of is that the
Republic might not be prepared for us
when we transition from being youths.
Once we are past 35, we get to be locked
out of numerous opportunities that
favour the youth. However, if we get to
know each other, even when we get past
the youth age bracket, we shall have each
other to look after our interests.
Lastly, there is a need for the youth to keep
a check on their mental health. The youth
often desire a lot from society, dreams
that need to be realized, and the energy
to get things done. However, some of our
ambitions use up all our energies taking
us down rabbit holes with no end in sight
for our ambitions. The result is traction
in our ambition that soon gets replaced
with depression coupled with alcohol,
drug and substance abuse. We need
to take care of our mental health as the
absence of a focused mind shall render
all our dreams null and void. One needs to
realize that all our dreams and ambitions
can surely be achieved in the future even
if it takes five years. But until such a time
comes, we need to make sure our mental
health is in check to enable us to live long
enough, in sanity, to realize our dreams.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CEREB

64.1% 61.3%
66.0% Nicodemus M. Sakayo
% OF POPULATION

57% 57.4%
50.3% 51.3%
55%
51.5% 52.7% President, Machakos Youth Assembly
42.7%

29.9%
Youth leaders need to seize every available opportunity given to them and make the
24.1% 26.8% most out of it. Such opportunities need to be utilized for the sake of our fellow youths
19.3% 18.8% 22.1% 20.6% 20.7% 22.6%
who might not have the courage, voice or energy as we, their leaders. Suffice to say that
if you have the opportunity to be called a leader, it is because your community felt that
you are more awake than them. In that case, you need to use that opportunity to make
socioeconomic changes in the community that you come from.
I

I
U

IA

U
H

R
RU

G
ER

R
YE

IP
IT

Lastly, the youth need to use every available tool in advocating for their interests.
U
YA

N
EM

M
N

IK
M

K
A
N

IA
IN

A
D

R
KA

LA

For example, the Husika Project is a structured, informed and coordinated online
K

N
U
N

IR

M
RA

YA

movement for social accountability in various counties including Makueni where to

N
A
TH

CEREB COUNTIES Mobile Phone Internet Access date has been instrumental in shaping the conversation on the Makueni County Youth
Policy. Similar offline endeavours are underway in Machakos and Kitui.

27 28
15
 Plenary Commentary
Questions & Answers
Question from
Kennedy from Kirinyaga.
Dr Schwander, could you elaborate on
the young politician’s program that seeks
to equip the upcoming young leaders
in gaining skills to succeed in political
leadership. Does the program engage a
person from CSOs at the grassroots level?
Response from
Dr Schwander.
The program is open to all Kenyans and
more often than not, young politicians
both from the national and county level
often meet and share ideas thereby
making the program a greater success.
Perhaps another approach to assist your
colleagues from the grassroots would be
for your convening to come up with a list
of some of the needs for young politicians
then share the same with us to help us
tailor make our training program.
Question from
James from Nyeri
Dr Schwander, what is the nature of the
support that one may acquire from the
young politicians’ program?
Response from
Dr Schwander.
The program offers support in terms
of technical equipment but not to
an individual. The support goes to an
organization. Technical equipment could
be in the form of computers for use by the
organization. However, we must stress
that the support goes to an organization
only and not a person.
29
Question from
Jaqueline from Meru
Dr Schwander, leadership is a key element
in the socioeconomic development of
any country. Your presentation implied
that your programs are centred around
political leaders. However, does your
program offer training for leaders who
might not be entirely oriented towards
politics?
Response from
Dr Schwander.
We may consider such a scenario
based on a closer examination of the
organization on a case-by-case basis. In
this case, I would suggest you submit a
profile of your organization after which
we may get back to you on the same.
tailor make our training program.
Question from
Naushad from Laikipia
Dr Schwander, kindly clarify the scope
of technical assistance for the young
politician’s program.
Response from
Dr Schwander.
The technical support could be in the form
of cameras, computers, public address
systems and any other tool for use in
advancing their political goals. However,
we must stress that the support goes to
an organization only and not a person.
Question from
Bernard from Murang’a
Dr Schwander, could KAS consider
supporting a political event organized by
a group of young individuals?
Questions & Answers
Response from
Dr Schwander.
The support can be given to a group of
youth or women but not a person’s event.
As such, you may reach out to us on your
proposed political event training and
we may be able to give a more refined
response
Question from
Daktari from Tharaka-Nithi
Dr Schwander, we are months away from
the 2022 General Election. Does KAS
organize or support youth organizations
in carrying out civic education? Also, I
wish to commend your organization for
mentoring some of the leaders from my
county. Thank you and keep supporting
us.
Response from
Dr Schwander.
KAS is very keen on civic education. Last
year we published a program on how to
run a campaign from the start to the end.
The program includes, strategizing and
how to mobilize resources.
Question from
Jaqueline from Meru
Thank you, Hon. Ndungu for taking the
time to engage with the youths. You
mentioned that the County was keen
on equipping job market skills to the
youths through vocational institutions. As
a person with a bachelor’s degree, what
are some of the skills that the vocational
institutions can impart to me?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
The program is open to all persons
including those with bachelor degrees.
Vocational institutions tend to offer
specific industry skills that one might not
necessarily gain when undertaking other
courses.
Question from
Pithon from Embu
Thank you, Hon. Ndungu for championing
youth interest at the county level. What
portion of the annual budget of the Nyeri
County Government is allocated to youth
development?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
It is important to take note that youth
development is still a function of the
National Government. Nevertheless,
the County Government is still keen on
securing the interests of the youth. As I
alluded earlier, youth issues cut across all
other departments and as such, budget
allocation for youth development is not
only contained within my department.
However, H.E the Governor often sets
aside funds to support various youth
empowerment programs.
Question from
Morris from Meru
Hon. Ndungu, I wish to convey my
gratitude for your support to youth
leaders in the county. With regards to
disaster management, how prepared
is the county on the same and is the
department willing to engage my
services?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
Indeed, our disaster management
program is robust; we have a working
MOU with Laikipia County Government
whereby we may be able to support
each other during disasters. We shall
be expanding the workforce in the
department and as such, we shall be
welcoming interested persons to join
our department. Please keep checking
our website for vacancy announcements.
empowerment programs.
30
15

Questions & Answers
Question from
Naushad from Laikipia
As a recovering alcoholic (having been
sober for 2 years), I am very proud to
hear Hon. Ndungu and the efforts of the
Nyeri County Government in tackling the
abuse. Please note that I am also available
to offer my experience to the centre
where need be. Beyond the rehabilitation
centres, what is the post-discharge
program for the youth once they re-join
society?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
Thank you for sharing your journey
and I hope you shall realize your vision.
Currently, the County rehabilitation centre
accommodates at least 100 patients.
Through a partnership with NACADA,
we purpose to sensitize the community
on accepting the rehabilitated patients
to ease community reintegration and
thus reduce the chances of relapse. The
same framework shall seek to impart
employable skills to the patients upon
discharge. Lastly, we purpose to work
with champions such as yourself to act as
a source of inspiration for the patients.
Comment from
Charity from Kiambu
Hon. Ndungu, the uptake of youths in
development programs such as KYEOP
is high. However, when it comes to the
uptake of youth funds, the youths shy
away. I think there is a need to identify the
gaps to ensure the uptake of these funds
is equally high.
Response from
Julius Gitau
I think this is largely due to misconception
on the scope of the funds. Youth are
known to be generally averse to taking
loans, that is, funds that need to be paid
31
back. For the case of KYEOP, the funds
given are never returned, something that
seems to be more enticing for the youth.
The youth need to understand that most
businesses are run based on loans. As
long as you acquire loans and use it for
the intended purpose, then one needs
not to be afraid.
Comment from
Robert from Kiambu
I think County Governments need to
develop programs that shall tackle rural
to urban migration as a means to address
youth unemployment on account of
saturation of the job market in the urban
areas.
Question from
Silas from Nyandarua
Would any of the partner present by
interested in partnering with youth
CBOs from other counties especially
where a CBO has been unable to gain
support from their respective County
Government?
Response from
Julius Gitau
I believe that every government office
exists for the betterment of the residents.
That said, I believe you need to be firm
whenever seeking for assistance from
government offices.
Comments from
Kennedy from Kirinyaga.
Thank you, Hon. Ndungu for championing
youth empowerment programs at the
county level. I think there is a need to
increase financial literacy programs for
youth taking up empowerment funds
to ensure prudential use. Also, perhaps
the County Governments could consider
either a waiver or reducing the cost of
doing business for youth enterprises.
Questions & Answers
Question from
James from Kiambu
Hon. Ndungu, does Nyeri County have
a County Youth Policy that shapes the
socioeconomic development of the
youths?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
The County Youth Policy was recently
passed by the Cabinet and it shall first
undergo public participation before
being presented to the County Assembly
for further review.
Question from
Francis from Nyeri
Hon. Ndungu, betting is rampant
amongst the youth. Is it possible for the
County Government to leverage the farm
produce for the county and instead have
the youth bet on the success of the farms
as opposed to football?
Response from
Hon. Esther Ndungu
There’s a lot of conversation on betting.
Be as it may, the County Government
has other programs in place to support
the agricultural sectors that I believe are
bearing more sustainable results.
Plenary Commentary
Question from
Marvin from Nyandarua
With regards to the Uwezo Fund, does
the government offer technical support
to the youths to ensure that they spend
the funds prudently? Perhaps you could
also give a brief overview of the fund as
well.
Response from
Julius Gitau
Registration of business enterprises for
acquisition of the Uwezo Fund is fairly
easy. The group must be registered with
the relevant government body with a
valid group registration certificate. Group
membership must be as guided by the
registration entity. Group Membership
must be at least for either youth groups
(70% youth leadership and 100% youth),
women groups (70% women leadership
and 100% women) or PWDs (70% PWDs
leadership and 100% PWDs).
The applicant group must apply for the
loan from the constituency, be appraised
and recommended for funding by the
respective Constituency Uwezo Fund
Management Committee (CUFMCs).
Operating bank account in the name
of the group. Please note that the
group should be registered with the
Department of Social Services or the
Registrar of Societies with a membership
of 9 – 15 members. A Certified copy of
Registration Certificate will be required.
The loan ranges between KES 50,000.00
and KES 500,000.00 and is interest free.
Every constituency has a Uwezo Fund
office to ease access to the same.
The State Department does offer financial
literacy training for all applicants prior to
allocation of the funds.
32
 In this regard, the Youth Leagues and The Youth Congress desires to provide
the image of youth that shall redirect the energies harboured by the various
youths into forming a voice that shall drive socio-economic changes from
the grassroots to the national level. However, realizing such a goal calls for an
organized and disciplined youth. Organizing is extremely critical for the success
of any constituency especially the youth. For a long time, youth have been used
and abused, and their energies and numbers have counted for nothing. For The
Youth Congress, this matter of discipline and integrity is therefore a requirement
that is as central as is the struggle to the greater freedom that we are yarning
for. The following are what the members of The Youth Congress and its affiliate
formation shall subscribe

i. Adherence to The Youth Congress values and vision in advancing the

youth agency

ii. Support the ideas of the Youth Leagues and The Youth Congress and
place themselves under its overall discipline

iii. Carry out decisions, duties, and resolutions with diligence

iv. Organize, participate and contribute positively to all County Youth league
and The Youth Congress activities and to contribute to the strengthening
of the organic unity of the youth movement

v. Rally youth to support and unite behind the Country Youth Leagues and
actively participate in the creation of a united, non-racial, de-ethnicized,
non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous Kenya

vi. Protect the Youth League and The Youth Congress mandate at all times
by exercising maximum vigilance

Unveiling vii. Exercise discipline and exemplary behaviour at all times and maintain
harmonious relations with all members of the Youth League and the
community in general
Launch of The Youth Leagues
viii. Combat all forms of tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, and other forms
in the CEREB of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, clan, and sex as well as
combating factionalism and malicious gossip within our ranks

About the Youth Leagues
Across Kenya, there is a burgeoning youth population calling for greater recognition in
the socio-economic transformation of Kenya. With their budding energy, innovation,
and optimism, there is a need to ensure the youths in Kenya are better organized
through the formation of caucuses that shall in turn form the voice of the many youths.
ix. Initiate and participate in activities aimed at promoting national values,
solidarity, cohesion, peace, and social Justice
x. Promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality, and effective distribution
of authority and accountability between men and women in the youth
movement

xi. Respect to the Rule of Law, the Constitution of Kenya, and other related
laws
33 34
 CEREB Couties’
Twaweza Program has also empowered the county is keen on sustainable water
2,000 in the areas of entrepreneurship supply; the county sunk 181 boreholes
Socio-Economic Outlook
and agribusiness. Meru County became that serve 7% of its households.
the first county in Kenya to launch a Sexual
& Gender-Based Violence Policy. Lastly,
The CEREB covers an area of 42,537 km 2 providing a home to 10,710,491 citizens, who
constitute 22.5% of Kenya’s population, is 27.1% of the 2017 registered voters who in
August 2017 saw 83% of its voters cast their votes with the most in Nyeri at 86.6%. The
youth population of the economic bloc are 33.7% of the population.
Tharaka - Nithi County
The vast majority of the population, 63.4%, engage in farming with Tharaka Nithi leading
the bloc at 78.1%. However, only 13.7% of the farming households engage in commercial Tharaka Nithi County, a haven of value farming. However, only 7.1% of the farming
agriculture; Kirinyaga County has the highest commercial farming population at 24.2%. addition, shares its border with Meru households engage in commercial
to the north, Kirinyaga and Nyeri to the agriculture.
Despite the majority of the residents have attended some form of learning institution, west, Kitui to the east, and Embu to the
only 55.4% of the eligible labour population is in gainful employment. Overall, the vast south. The county is home to the Chuka, In terms of political engagement, Tharaka
majority of the population have access to learning institutions save for Laikipia County Muthambi, Mwimbi, and Tharaka people Nithi County has five (5) sub-counties
where 16.1% of the population have never attended any learning institution. Access to of the larger Ameru community. and fifteen (15) County Assembly Wards.
learning institutions is high in Kiambu on account of only 4.4% of the population has In the 2017 General Elections, 81.9% of the
never attended such. The KNBS data stated that the county registered voters cast their vote.
has a population of 393,177 (51% female &
Below is a brief socioeconomic outlook of the counties, based on data from the CGs, 49% male; 3.3% identify as PWDs) living in Some of the key projects under the
KNBS and IEBC, that informs the issues mapped at the forum. an area of about 2,564 km 2 resulting in a Governor, H.E. Onesmus Muthomi Njuki,
population density of 153 and a household includes construction of Muragara bridge
size of 3.6 (109,860 in total). across River Mutonga, implementation
Meru County of a robust water provision program,
Meru County, the home of the Big 5, In terms of political engagement, Meru Persons aged between 15 and 34 expansion of the county referral hospital,
shares its border with Isiolo to the north, County has nine (9) sub-counties and (accounting for 33% of the population) electrification of markets, and signing
Laikipia and Nyeri to the west, Kitui and forty (40) County Assembly Wards. In are keen to participate in the economy of partnership agreements with Kenya
Tana River to the east, and Tharaka Nithi the 2017 General Elections, 77.3% of the despite high unemployment at 45%. Literature Bureau, University of Nairobi,
to the south. The KNBS data stated that registered voters cast their vote. 51.3% of the population have access to a Red Cross Society of Kenya, and the Rural
the county has a population of 1,545,714 mobile phone. However, internet access Electrification Authority.
(51% female & 49% male; 3.2% identify as Some of the key projects under the is only available to 18.8% of the population.
PWDs) living in an area of about 7,006 Governor, H.E. Kiraitu Murungi, includes Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
km22 resulting in a population density of support of potato cooperative societies, with 78.1% of the population engaging in
221 and a household size of 3.6 (426,360 construction of an ultra-modern
in total). training hall at Kaguru Farmers Training

Persons aged between 15 and 34

(accounting for 34% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 49%.
50.3% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access
is only available to 19.3% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 64.5% of the population engaging in
farming. However, only 11% of the farming
households engage in commercial
agriculture.
35
Centers for the training of farmers, new
livestock yards at Mulika, construction
of indigenous chicken hatchery at
Ntaalami, in Kianjai-Tigania West,
construction of the Ntharene Banana
Market (that reduces post-harvest losses),
and establishment of the Aquaculture
Business Development Program that
supports 2,600 fish farmers.
In addition, the Meru Youth Service
has so far taken 2,000+ youths through
vocational training some of whom were
from previous street families. Its Women
Embu County
Embu County, the land of opportunities,
shares its border with Tharaka Nithi to
the north, Kirinyaga to the west, Kitui to
the east, and Machakos & Murang’a to
the south. The KNBS data stated that
the county has a population of 608,599
(50% female & 50% male; 3.9% identify as
PWDs) living in an area of about 2,820
km22 resulting in a population density of
216 and a household size of 3.3 (182,743 in
total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 34% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 42%. 57%
of the population have access to a mobile
phone. However, internet access is only
available to 22.1% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 71.7% of the population engaging in
farming. However, only 12% of the farming
households engage in commercial
agriculture. 36

In terms of political engagement, Embu
County has five (5) sub-counties and
twenty (20) County Assembly Wards. In
the 2017 General Elections, 81.1% of the
registered voters cast their vote.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. Martin Wambora,
Nyandarua County
Nyandarua County shares its border
with Laikipia to the north, Nakuru to the
west, Murang’a and Nyeri to the east,
and Kiambu to the south. The KNBS data
stated that the county has a population
of 638,289 (51% female & 49% male; 2.5%
identify as PWDs) living in an area of
about 3,285 km2 resulting in a population
density of 194 and a household size of 3.5
(179,686 in total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 32% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 44%. 55%
of the population have access to a mobile
phone. However, internet access is only
available to 20.6% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 78.4% of the population engaging
in farming. However, only 22.4% of
the farming households engage in
commercial agriculture.
In terms of political engagement,
Nyandarua County has five (5) sub-
counties and twenty-five (25) County
Assembly Wards. In the 2017 General
Elections, 86.2% of the registered voters
cast their vote.
37
provision of ambulances in each sub-
county, upgrading of Embu Level 5
Hospital, invested in oxygen plants for
use by hospitals, and installation of solar-
powered floodlights in 39 townships and
streetlights to boost the 24-hour economy.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. Francis Kimemia, includes
ultra-modern music production studio,
KES 500 million County Rural Roads
Construction Program, upgrade of the
Bamboo Health Centre, and upgrade of
water supply infrastructure.
Besides the Nyandarua County Youth
Internship Programs, 429+ youth groups
have received business empowerment
from the county in the form of salon
machines, car-washing machines,
tuk-tuks, water pumps, posho mills,
greenhouses, incubators and gas
wielding machines.
Some of the key tourist attraction in the
county includes the Table Mountains,
Aberdare National Park, Twin Rocks, and
Dragon Teeth.
CEREB Couties’ Socio-Economic Outlook
Nyeri County
Nyeri County shares its border with Laikipia
and Meru to the north, Nyandarua to the
west, Kirinyaga to the east, and Murang’a
to the south. In addition, Mt. Kenya lies to
the East and the Aberdare to the West.
The KNBS data stated that the county
has a population of 759,164 (51% female
& 49% male; 3.3% identify as PWDs) living
in an area of about 3,325 km2 resulting
in a population density of 228 and a
household size of 3 (248,050 in total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 31% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 40%.
64.1% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access is
only available to 29.9% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 66.2% of the population engaging
in farming. However, only 13.1% of
the farming households engage in
commercial agriculture.
Kirinyaga County
Kirinyaga County, the dwelling place
of God, shares its border with Nyeri
and Murang’a to the west, and Embu
to the east. The KNBS data stated that
the county has a population of 610,411
(51% female & 49% male; 3.1% identify as
PWDs) living in an area of about 1,478
km2 resulting in a population density of
413 and a household size of 3 (204,188 in
total). The county lies between 1,158m and
5,380m above sea level in the South and
at the Peak of Mt. Kenya respectively. It is
endowed with a forest cover of 350.7 km2 2 the farming households engage in
and is inhabited by a variety of wildlife
including elephants, buffaloes, monkeys,
bushbucks and colourful birds while the
lower parts of the forest zone provide
grazing land for livestock. The county has
six major rivers which drain into the Tana
River.
In terms of political engagement, Meru
County has eight (8) sub-counties and
thirty (30) County Assembly Wards. In
the 2017 General Elections, 86.6% of the
registered voters cast their vote.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. Mutahi Kahiga, includes
solar-powered Kienjero borehole, upgrade
of the Nyeri Referral Hospital and Mt.
Kenya Amenity Hospital, construction &
operationalization of dispensaries (Karigu-
Ini, Zaina, Gatura, and Muthangira),
transport infrastructural upgrade (Gatitu-
Gatura & Kiganjo footbridge, Gumba-
Gachagi box culvert, Matiriongo bridge,
and Town Hall Road), and upgrade of the
Mweiga Bus Park and Giagatika Stalls.
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 32% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 38.5%.
61.3% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access
is only available to 24.1% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 68.5% of the population engaging
in farming. However, only 24.2% of
commercial agriculture. Nevertheless, the
county is an agrarian county that grows
some of the best coffee in the world, tea
and best aromatic rice in the East Africa
region. Moreover, the county boasts of
agricultural exports such as horticulture
and macadamia. 38

In terms of political engagement,
Kirinyaga County has five (5) sub-counties
and twenty (20) County Assembly Wards.
In the 2017 General Elections, 86.3% of the
registered voters cast their vote.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. Ann Waiguru, includes
the Kerugoya Medical Complex (at KES
1 billion), construction of 11 modern
markets, and the support of the county’s
agriculture through various initiatives like
the donation of coffee roasting machines,
sales of Hass avocado, purchase of milk
processing equipment, power backup
Murang’a County
Murang’a County shares its border with
Nyeri to the north, Nyandarua to the
west, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Machakos to
the east, and Kiambu to the south. The
KNBS data stated that the county has a
population of 1,056,640 (51% female & 49%
male; 3.3% identify as PWDs) living in an
area of about 2,524 km 2 resulting in a
population density of 419 and a household
size of 3.3 (318,105 in total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 30% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 42%.
57.4% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access is
only available to 20.7% of the population.
The county lies between 914m above
sea level in the East and 3,353m above
sea level (ASL) along the slopes of the
Aberdare Mountains in the West. The
highest areas in the west have deeply
dissected topography and are drained
by several rivers. All the rivers flow from
the Aberdare ranges to the West, South
Eastward to join the Tana River. The
39
generators, a milk tanker and supporting
artificial insemination services, and
budgetary allocation for the county’s
National Agricultural Rural Inclusive
Growth Program. With a view of ensuring
the long-term sustainable development
of the county, H.E. Ann Waiguru launched
a sessional paper titled “The Mountain
Cities Blueprint” that seeks to ensure the
county becomes the health, wellness,
organic and resort hub of the world by
2032.
County is divided into three climatic
regions: The western region of an
equatorial type of climate, the central
region with a sub-tropical climate and
the eastern part of semi-arid conditions.
In this regard, agriculture is a key source
of livelihood with 72.7% of the population
engaging in farming. However, only 7.7%
of the farming households engage in
commercial agriculture.
In terms of political engagement,
Murang’a County has seven (7) sub-
counties and thirty-five (35) County
Assembly Wards. In the 2017 General
Elections, 86.7% of the registered voters
cast their vote.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. Mwangi Wa Iria, includes
Nyota Zetu Scholarship, upgrade of
Murang’a Level 5 Hospital, water supply
through the drilling of 30 boreholes,
gravelling of 600km of roads, social welfare
support to 3,000+ PWDs, and supporting
the formation of the Murang’a Avocado
Farmer’s Co-operative.
CEREB Couties’ Socio-Economic Outlook
Kiambu County
Kiambu County shares its border with
Murang’a and Nyandarua to the north,
Nakuru to the west, Machakos to the east,
and Nairobi and Kajiado to the south.
The KNBS data stated that the county
has a population of 2,417,735 (51% female
& 49% male; 1.8% identify as PWDs) living
in an area of about 2,538 km 2 resulting
in a population density of 952 and a
household size of 3 (795,241 in total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 40% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 47.5%.
66% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access is
only available to 42.7% of the population.
The county is covered by three broad
categories of soils which are: high-level
upland soils, plateau soils and volcanic
footbridges soils. These soils are of varying
fertility levels with soils from high-level
uplands, which are from volcanic rocks,
being very fertile. Their fertility is conducive
for livestock keeping and growth of
various cash crops and food crops such
as tea, coffee, horticultural products,
pyrethrum, vegetables, maize, beans,
Laikipia County
Laikipia County, Home of Innovation,
shares its border with Samburu and Isiolo
to the north, Baringo to the west, Meru
to the east, and Nyeri and Nyandarua
to the south. The KNBS data stated that
the county has a population of 518,560
(50% female & 50% male; 1.6% identify as
PWDs) living in an area of about 9,532
km2 2 resulting in a population density of
54 and a household size of 3.4 (149,271 in
total).
peas and potatoes. Low fertility soils are
mainly found in the middle zone and the
eastern part of the county which forms
part of the semi-arid areas. The soils are
sandy or clay and can support drought-
resistant crops such as soya beans and
sunflower as well as ranching. Despite the
fertility of the soil in the county, only 26.9%
of the population engage in farming; a
paltry 16.4% of the farming households
engage in commercial agriculture.
In terms of political engagement, Kiambu
County has twelve (12) sub-counties and
sixty (60) County Assembly Wards. In
the 2017 General Elections, 83.4% of the
registered voters cast their vote.
Some of the key projects under the
Governor, H.E. James Nyoro, includes
supporting participatory governance,
modernized management of dairy
farming through the launch of Digicow
App, improvement in the production of
clean milk, improved production of silage,
and provision of subsidized working
capital loans (at a rate of 7%) for business
persons in the county.
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 34% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 46.7%.
51.5% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access is
only available to 22.6% of the population.
Agriculture is a key source of livelihood
with 60.8% of the population engaging
in farming. However, only 10.1% of
the farming households engage in
commercial agriculture.
40
 In terms of political engagement, Meru
County has five (5) sub-counties and
fifteen (15) County Assembly Wards. In
the 2017 General Elections, 80.9% of the
registered voters cast their vote
Economic Zone, support the irrigation of FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN CEREB COUNTIES
50,000 acres, resource allocation for its
Enterprise and Cooperative Development
Fund, capacity building dairy farmers, 78.1% 78.4%
supporting the girl child with dignity 71.7% 72.7%
66.2% 68.5%

% OF POPULATION
64.5% 60.8%
. kits, and infrastructural development
Some of the key projects under the though the issuance of KES 1.1 billion 46.0%
Governor, H.E. Ndiritu Muriithi, includes infrastructure bond.
the development of the Rumuruti Special 26.9%

Nakuru County

U
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IA
Nakuru County, Home of Unlimited elephant. The International Congresses

IN
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A
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A

LA
K

N
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IR
Opportunities, shares its border with and Conventional Association have

M
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YA

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Baringo and Samburu to the north, ranked Naivasha the 34th destination

Kericho and Bomet to the west,
Nyandarua and Kiambu to the east, and
Narok and Kajiado to the south. The
KNBS data stated that the county has
a population of 2,162,202 (51% female &
49% male; 1.6% identify as PWDs) living
in an area of about 7,462 km2 resulting
in a population density of 290 and a
household size of 3.5 (616,046 in total).
Persons aged between 15 and 34
(accounting for 37% of the population)
are keen to participate in the economy
despite high unemployment at 52%.
52.7% of the population have access to a
mobile phone. However, internet access is
only available to 26.8% of the population.
Major attractions in the county are Lake
Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha,
Hell’s Gate National Park and Menengai
Crater. Lake Nakuru National Park
hosts among other wildlife the big
TH
for international congresses and
CEREB COUNTIES
conventions.
Agriculture is a source of livelihood for 46%
of the population who engage in farming.
However, only 13.3% of the farming
households engage in commercial
agriculture.
FARMING HOUSEHOLDS PRACTISING COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
In terms of political engagement, Nauru
County has eleven (11) sub-counties and 24.2%
fifty-five (55) County Assembly Wards. In 22.4%
the 2017 General Elections, 79.4% of the
registered voters cast their vote. 16.4%
13.1% 13.3%
Some of the key projects under the 11.0% 12.0%
Governor, H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, includes 10.1%
distribution of 7,500 pyrethrum tissue 7.1% 7.7%
culture materials to farmer groups,
support of honey-producing businesses,
train farmers on proper post-harvest
handling mechanisms, and distribution
of 36,800+ avocado seedlings.

U
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five; lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo and

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ER

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IP
IT

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YA
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M
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IK
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K
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CEREB COUNTIES

41 42
 Mapping

Challenges and Solutions

Meru County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment
Youth unemployment in the county is
high coupled with a lack of appropriate
job skills resulting in both disguised &
structural unemployment. Youths lack
adequate job market exposure;
2. Environment.
Communities plant wrong tree species
resulting in poor afforestation. County
lacks adequate waste disposal strategy;
3. Health.
Youth lack adequate access to SRH in-
formation resulting in increased cases of
teen pregnancy (in 2020, 1,328 girls aged
between 10 and 14 were impregnat-
ed whilst those between 15 and 19 were
13,245). FGM is still prevalent in the com-
munity (13% of females aged between 15 6. Sensitize community on sexual and
and 49 have undergone FGM); reproductive health to catalyse a
behaviour change on family planning.
4. Education. 7. Alternative rites of passage for

Mapping
Students dropping out from school is still community members;
prevalent; 14.3% of residents have never 8. Establishment of dedicated SRH centres;
accessed a learning institution and; 9. Increased anti-FGM community
awareness campaigns;
Mapping Youth Issues 5. Social Deviancy 10. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
Unemployed youths engage in alcohol, empowerment of drug addicts and;
The youth represent energy, creativity, and innovation and should be beacons drug and substance abuse and violent 11. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
of hope that can always support the community when looking to solve societal extremism leading to increased deterio- centres such as ICT and innovation hubs.
challenges. Through individual acts and collective action, young people are slowly but ration of mental health.
surely reclaiming the power of governance. Youth offers promise to a future where Key Actors and Potential Partners
communities engage in dialogues to arrive at solutions to societal challenges. A Solutions
1. Caritas Internationalis;
bulging youth population can also be a source of unprecedented challenges if the 1. Tailored on job training and 2. Inua Masomo;
numbers are not anticipated and well managed. apprenticeships; 3. Kamashinani Foundation;
2. Domestication of the Kenya Youth 4. KEFRI;
Delegates drawn from the ten (10) counties were invited to form county-based causes Development Policy into Meru County; 5. KFS;
and map key issues that were most pertinent to their respective counties with a view 3. Planting indigenous trees varieties such 6. KYEOP;
of laying the foundation for multi-sectoral partnership and collaborations in solving as bamboo; 7. Meru County Government;
the issues. 4. Development of comprehensive county 8. Muuga FM;
waste management policy; 9. NACADA;
5. Community sensitization on waste 10. NEMA and;
43 management; 11. Sprout Initiative 44
 Mapping

Tharaka Nithi County Embu County

Challenges Challenges
1. Environment. 1. Health.
Deforestation is rampant as evidenced Youths engage in drugs & substance
by the loss of 148ha of humid primary abuse;
forest and 679ha of tree cover between
2001 and 2020;
2. Environment.
2. Health. County lacks adequate medical waste
Youth lack adequate access to SRH disposal strategy;
information resulting in increased cases
of teen pregnancy (14% of girls aged 3. Economic Empowerment.
between 15 and 19 are childbearing); the
majority impregnated by age mates. Youth unemployment in the county is
FGM and unsafe abortion is still prevalent high despite high literacy levels (only
in the community; 8.5% never attended formal education);

3. Education. 4. Leadership.
Students dropping out from school is still Youth decry of the absence of roles
prevalent; 10.7% of residents have never models and youth mentors.
accessed a learning institution and;
4. Youth Leadership.
Solutions
Youth shy away from opportunities to
take up strategic leadership positions. 1. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
empowerment of drug addicts;
2. Development of comprehensive county
Solutions Key Actors & Potential Partners
waste management policy;
1. Domestication of the Kenya Youth 3. Establishment of indigenous cottage 1. County Government of Embu;
Development Policy; Key Actors & Potential Partners industries; 2. NACADA;
2. Alternative rites of passage for 1. Chuka University; 4. Enhanced career guidance & counselling 3. NGAAF;
community members; 2. County Government of Tharaka – Nithi; (including mentorship programs) given 4. NGCDF;
3. Planting indigenous trees varieties; 3. KEFRI; to all school-leaving students; 5. Nyumba Kumi Initiative;
4. Enforcement of strict anti-deforestation 4. KFS; 5. Business fees waiver for youth enterprises 6. TVET;
policies; and;
5. KYEOP; 7. Youth Congress;
5. Sensitize community on sexual and 6. Petition elected youth leaders to dedicate
reproductive health to catalyse a 6. NETFUND and
7. Youth Congress. time for youth mentorship.
behaviour change on family planning;
6. Alternative rites of passage for
community members;
7. Establishment of dedicated SRH centres;
8. Increased anti-FGM community
awareness campaigns;
9. Increased peer counselling forums and;
10. Countywide youth leadership
mentorship initiatives.

45 46

Nyandarua County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment.
Youth unemployment in the county is
high despite high literacy levels (only
6.5% never attended formal education)
resulting in youths turning to social
deviancy such as crime;
2. Agriculture
The sector faces poor transport
infrastructure for farm produce, poor
farm prices, and low commercialization of
arable agricultural land (despite 78.4% of
the household engaging in farming, only
22.4% of them engage in commercial
farming).
3. Education.
Inadequate number of post-secondary
learning institutions results in the influx
of skilled labour from neighbouring
counties on account of only 6.5% of
the population with post-secondary
education and;
4. Health.
Socioeconomic challenges blamed for
increased cases of GBV, rising suicide
rates (weekly reports of suicides) and
thus deterioration of mental health.
Solutions
1. Allocation of quota for tenders
designated for county business residents;
2. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
centres such as ICT and innovation hubs;
3. Promote the efficacy and potential of
youth engagement in agribusiness;
4. Subsidize the cost of farm inputs;
5. Investment in farm produce transport
infrastructure;
6. Linking youth to the KYEOP;
7. Enhanced career guidance & counselling
(including mentorship programs) given
to all school-leaving students and;
8. Sensitize community on gender equality
to catalyse a behaviour change that shall
47
reduce/ end SGBV.
Mapping
Nyeri County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment
Youth unemployment in the county
is high (with only 59.5% of the eligible
labour force in gainful employment)
despite high literacy levels (only 5.1%
never attended formal education)
resulting in both disguised & structural
unemployment. Youths lack adequate
job market exposure;
2. Health.
Youths engage in drugs & substance
abuse coupled with a drug-related crime
such as burglary/ break-ins. GBV cases
are high coupled with inadequate access
to knowledge on SRH and children rights.
Covid19 has increased deterioration of
mental health and;
3. Agriculture
The sector faces low farm yields, poor
farm prices (such as in the tea sector),
and commercialization of arable agricul-
tural land (despite 66.2% of the house-
hold engaging in farming, only 13.1% of 9. Establishment of GBV rescue centres
them engage in commercial farming). and;
10. Sensitize community on gender equality
Key Actors & Potential Partners to catalyse a behaviour change that shall
Solutions reduce/ end SGBV.
1. County Government of Nyandarua;
2. FIDA Kenya; 1. Increased public financing for mental
3. KeRRA; health; Key Actors & Potential Partners
4. KURA; 2. Comprehensive job market sensitization
for youth; 1. Amref Health Africa in Kenya;
5. Nyumba Kumi Initiative; 2. Caritas Kenya;
6. Red Cross Society of Kenya; 3. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
centres such as ICT and innovation hubs; 3. County Government of Nyeri;
7. Safaricom Foundation; 4. HERAF Kenya;
8. State Department for Youth Affairs; 4. Promote the efficacy and potential of
youth engagement in agribusiness; 5. KNCCI;
9. Youth Congress; 6. Ministry of Agriculture;
5. Support high school dropouts in joining
and pursuing education at TVETs; 7. Ministry of Health;
8. NACADA;
6. Linking youth to the KYEOP and Ajira
Digital Program; 9. Red Cross Society of Kenya;
10. State Department for Youth;
7. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
empowerment of drug addicts; 11. State Department for Vocational and
Technical Training;
8. Enhanced career guidance & counselling
(including mentorship programs) given 12. The Youth Congress;
13. UNFPA Kenya and;
to all school-leaving students;
14. World Vision. 48
 Mapping

Kirinyaga County Murang’a County

Challenges Challenges
1. Agriculture. 1. Health.
The sector faces a lack of water for Youths engage in drugs & substance
irrigation, lack of farm market produce abuse on account of unemployment and
during peak season, crop infestation of peer pressure resulting in deterioration
pest and diseases, unfair competition of mental health and engaging in crime;
from imported farm produce (such
as rice), and low commercialization of 2. Economic Empowerment.
arable agricultural land (despite 68.5% of Youth unemployment in the county is
the household engaging in farming, only high despite high literacy levels (only
24.2% of them engage in commercial 7.3% never attended formal education).
farming). The job market is currently saturated.
Youth seeking to engage in business
2. Health. face challenges in registering businesses;
Health facilities lack adequate staff
and medicine to match population 3. Youth Leadership.
demands. Socioeconomic challenges
Youth decry of the limited flow of civic
facing residents leads to deterioration of
education and lack of youth leadership
mental health;
training platforms.
3. Youth Empowerment.
Youth decry of inadequate leadership
opportunities, capacity building, and Solutions
inclusivity, high rates of unemployment,
and unavailability of sports facilities 1. Build supportive socioeconomic youth
resulting in increased exposure to crime; centres such as ICT and innovation hubs;
8. Increased investment in transport 2. Promote the efficacy and potential of
4. Infrastructure. infrastructure; youth engagement in agribusiness;
9. Establishment of sports recreational 3. Linking youth to the KYEOP and Ajira Key Actors & Potential Partners
Parts of the county are inaccessible due
to lack of road network and; facilities; Digital Program;
10. Establishment of a comprehensive 1. Ahadi Kenya;
4. Countywide rehabilitation & economic 2. County Government of Murang’a;
5. Land. County Government Internship Program; empowerment of drug addicts;
11. Issuance of title deeds. 3. NACADA;
Landowners lack title deeds. 5. Enhanced career guidance & counselling
4. State Department for Youth Affairs;
(including mentorship programs) given
to all school-leaving students; 5. Siasa Place and’
Solutions Key Actors & Potential Partners 6. Increased sensitization on the 6. Youth Congress
1. Domestication of KYDP; importance of sports in socio-economic
1. County Government of Kirinyaga; development;
2. Construction of dams; 2. Hon. Gudson Muchuna Foundation;
3. Increased value addition for farm 7. Reduced technical requirements for
3. KAS; registration of youth-led businesses;
produce; 4. Kirinyaga United Forum;
4. Increased budget allocation or health; 8. Increase allocation of funds for youth
5. NACADA: business loans;
5. Build supportive socioeconomic youth 6. NLC;
centres such as ICT and innovation hubs; 9. Establishment of Youth Council to
7. State Department for Youth Affairs; oversee youth interests and;
6. Promote the efficacy and potential of 8. USAID and;
youth engagement in agribusiness; 10. Youth leadership training forums.
9. Youth Congress.
7. Linking youth to the KYEOP and Ajira
Digital Program;
49 50
 Mapping

Nakuru County Kiambu County

Challenges Challenges
1. Peace & Security 1. Land.
Youth engaged in divisive communal Inadequate land zoning policies on
relations due to past post-election account of encroachment of industries
violence. The presence of organized and agriculture (26.9% of the population
criminal gangs (with 3,000+ youths) engage in farming) into residential areas;
provide fodder for political utility;
2. Health. 2. Health.
Youths engage in drugs & substance Youth engage in alcohol, drugs &
abuse with drug-related crime includes substance abuse on account of lack of
robbery (47.2%) and burglary/ break- employment and financial literacy. Drug-
ins (44.2%). GBV cases are high (40.8%) related crime includes mugging (62.1%)
coupled with inadequate access to and burglary/ break-ins (45.6%). Current
rehabilitation centres and; unemployment levels are at 47.5% and;

3. Citizen Engagement. 3. Citizen Engagement.

Despite a high electorate engagement Despite a high electorate engagement
rate (79.4%), the youth rarely participate (83.4%), youth (consisting of 40% of the
in public policy debates such as county counties’ population) rarely participate
budget policy engagements. in public policy debates such as county
budget policy engagements.

Solutions
Solutions
1. Countywide peace and reconciliation Key Actors & Potential Partners
1. Comprehensive review of land Key Actors & Potential Partners
forums; 1. Catholic Diocese of Nakuru;
2. Increased provision for community regulations followed by strict 1. Defenders Coalition;
2. KAS; enforcement;
policing initiatives that incorporate youth; 3. NACADA; 2. EABL;
3. Countywide rehabilitation & economic 2. Enacting provisions for part of alcohol 3. Kiambu County Government;
4. Nakuru County Government; license fees allocated towards alcohol
empowerment of drug addicts; 5. NCCK; 4. Ministry of Lands;
4. Enhanced career guidance & counselling rehabilitation centres; 5. NACADA;
6. NG CDF; 3. Countywide rehabilitation & economic
(including mentorship programs) given 7. Nyumba Kumi Initiative; 6. Nyumba Kumi Initiative;
to all school-leaving students and; empowerment of drug addicts; 7. Okoa Kiambu;
8. Red Cross Society of Kenya; 4. Enhanced career guidance & counselling
5. Increased sensitization on the 9. State Department for Youth; 8. The Youth Congress;
importance of citizen engagement. (including mentorship programs) given 9. Youth Alive and;
10. The Youth Congress; to all school-leaving students and;
11. USAID and; 10. Uraia.
5. Increased sensitization on the
12. VSO Kenya. importance of citizen engagement.

51 52
 Laikipia County
Challenges
1. Economic Empowerment.
Youth have a low financial literacy (with
16.1% of the county population never
attended any learning institution).
Youth unemployment in the county
is high (with only 53.3% of the eligible
labour force in gainful employment)
resulting in both disguised & structural
unemployment. Youths lack adequate
job market exposure;
2. Health.
Youths engage in drugs & substance
abuse with an increased number of
teenage pregnancies (currently over
18.7%) as well as inadequate access to
knowledge on SRH rights. Covid19 has
increased deterioration of mental health
and;
3. Citizen Engagement.
Despite a high electorate engagement
rate (80.9%), the youth rarely participate
in public policy debates such as county
budget policy engagements.

Solutions POPULATION ELIGIBLE FOR EMPLOYMENT

Key Actors & Potential Partners
1. Increased sensitization on the 59.5% 61.5%
importance of citizen engagement. 1. Action Aid; 58.4% 56.3% 58.3%
54.5% 52.5% 53.3%
2. Development of a comprehensive family 2. Amref Health Africa in Kenya; 51.3% 48.3%

% OF POPULATION
planning policy framework; 3. County Government of Laikipia;
3. Build supportive socioeconomic youth 4. DSW Kenya;
centres such as ICT and innovation hubs; 5. Hand In Hand;
4. Promote the efficacy and potential of 6. KYEOP;
youth engagement in agribusiness; 7. NACADA;
5. Support high school dropouts in joining 8. Red Cross Society of Kenya;
and pursuing education at TVETs; 9. St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate;
6. Linking youth to the KYEOP and Ajira 10. State Department for Youth;
Digital Program; 11. State Department for Vocational and
7. Countywide rehabilitation & economic Technical Training;

I
U

IA

U
H

R
U

G
ER

R
YE

IP
IT
empowerment of drug addicts;

U
YA

N
EM

M
12. The Youth Congress and;

IK
M

K
A
N

IA
IN

A
D

R
A
8.

LA
Enhanced career guidance & counselling 13. UNFPA Kenya.

N
U
N
K

IR

M
A

YA
(including mentorship programs) given

K
R

N
A
to all school-leaving students and;

TH
9. Sensitize community on sexual and CEREB COUNTIES
reproductive health to catalyse a
53 behaviour change on family planning. 54
 Youth Leadership at CEREB
The continued exclusion of youth from a productive role
in the economy has exacerbated crime, drug abuse and
vandalism, and escalated the vicious cycle of poverty. An
elusive search for status and livelihood has driven many,
particularly young men, to religious radicalization and in-
volvement in terror activities. These youth are also ready
fodder for political manipulation and expediency.

The need for political power as a tool of mapping out the

destiny of the youth nation was tested when delegates
were called upon to form a committee of interim leaders.
At the CEREB forum, participants resolved to have each
county electing their leader at the county level. The ten (10)
county leaders proceeded to appoint their regional leader
through consensus.

Election
County Coordinators
No Names County

1. Caroline Kawira Meru

2. Collins Mureithi Tharaka Nithi
3. Jacob Njeru Embu
4. Silas Mwita Nyandarua
5. Steve Irungu Nyeri
6. Kennedy Kimani Kirinyaga

Youth are
7. Benard Ruiru Muranga
8. James Mungai Kiambu

reshaping the
9. Naushad Shaddy Laikipia
10. Edward Nganga Nakuru

present, & creating a Regional Coordinator

better future Name

Steve Irungu Nyeri

County

55 56
 CEREB
Youth League Profiles
Meru County
The Sprout Initiative
The Sprout Initiative is a youth-led Initiative currently based in Meru County to empower
young people with knowledge that enhances their ability to exploit their potential. Their
vision is an empowered and educated society that leverages information to achieve its
potential. The initiative came as a response to the poverty cycles and alcoholism that led
to massive school dropout among students.

The organization creates awareness and advocacy through training, mentorships and
workshops and other activities around SDGs (especially education), leadership and
entrepreneurship. The training is done to young people in schools and out of schools and
organised youth groups including churches.

The African Caribbean & Pacific Young Professionals Network (ACP YPN)
The African Caribbean and Pacific Young Professionals Network’s (ACP YPN) provides
a platform for young people to play an active role in policy-making processes at the
national, regional and international levels. We aim to assure that all young professionals
can benefit from equality of opportunity by promoting and facilitating the integration
of the perspectives of ACP and EU youth in several key dialogues. All our activities and
advocacy contribute to ensuring ‘responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative
decision-making at all levels’ (target 16.7) in order to provide solutions for youth and
institutions in our societies (SDG 16).

Tharaka - Nithi County

Centre For Adolescent & Young Change Makers
Centre For Adolescent & Young Change Makers is a youth-led organization that
empowers young people to become leaders & agents of change in the community. it
advocates & champions youth programs, that is, adolescent youth sexual reproductive
health & rights, fight against drug & substance abuse, youth leadership & rights, peer
education, HIV & aids & agribusiness.

Guided by its motto of “My Community My Responsibility”, the organization envisions

seeing an empowered youth becomes an agent of positive change in the community.
Some of its key areas of focus include youth-led development, youth meaningful
engagement, social protection, economic empowerment, exchange programs, and
volunteerism civic engagement.
Enlightened Generation International
Enlightened Generation International is a charity organization fighting early marriages
and Female Genital Mutilation in Tharaka Nithi County and its environs. The organization
campaigns against early marriages, teenage sex, defilement, and child molestation.
Pillars for Resilience CBO
Pillars for Resilience Is a Kenyan grassroots CBO based in Tharaka Nithi County. The
Organization was founded in 2017 to address the rampart challenge of teenage
pregnancy, early Marriage Female Genital mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence
57 (GBV), boy Child mentorship and women empowerment through Income Generating
58

activities within the community. The organization envisions creating an enabling
society where women’s and girls have the right and power to express their interest
ensuring normal continuity and maximum fulfilment of life. The mission of the CBO is
to create an informed and empowered society to self-mitigating challenges associated
with women’s and girls.
Raise Mind Youth Group
The CBO is located in Marimati Ward of Tharaka-Nithi County. The group purpose to
see 80% of youth in Kenya are updated and connected to trending issues, to educate
and train youth on health issues, advocate on youth issues and to see youth wants
are catered to and provide mentorship to the youth to ensure a step foot for future
generations.
Embu County
Embu Centre for Community Dialogue (ECODE)
ECODE is an organization that builds the niche working with communities in the
development of social justice via dialogue, empowering the poor and marginalized
people to effectively assert their rights and access opportunities via advocacy,
networking, civic and voter education, training and assets building. ECODE operates
across five thematic areas of peace and conflict mitigation, democratic governance and
accountability, gender justice and empowerment of women, youth empowerment,
and sustainable development. At ECODE we believe “Justice breeds peace and
development”
Embu County Youth Assembly (ECOYA)
ECOYA was born in Embu County by young people, who felt the need of coming
together to address their needs after realizing that their problems are common. These
young people are determined to ensure their voices are heard through this movement
by bringing every young person on board, it has been long since our voices being
scattered.
The Blue Eagle Youth Group
The organization was founded in 2013 by church-going youths. With time, we realized
that there were more wants beyond just having fun. So we came up with the idea of
doing a project that would help us develop economically. We, therefore, came up with
an agribusiness-oriented group. We are located at Kanja market, in Runyenjes division-
Embu County. Our core business is the value addition of cassava, green bananas, spices
and other agricultural activities.
The organization seeks to engage in the value addition of the agricultural produce by
processing them into products like flours hence reducing post-harvest losses; Create job
opportunities by helping each other come up with business ideas; Diversification through
innovation and Maintain professionalism in our business.
The vision of the organization is to produce high-quality value-added products like
cassava and green bananas flours at an affordable price. Provide reliable market to the
food producers (the farmers). Grow into a global organization.
59
CEREB Youth League Profiles
Our mission is to be committed to providing goods and services to our clients without
compromising on food safety guidelines.
So far, the organization has managed to acquire an acre of land where we have planted
cassavas, already mature, ready for harvesting and processing. We are developing our
drier to improve on the efficacy. We have more than 40 stems of passion fruits that are
now beginning to produce fruits. We have purchased a motorbike for transporting our
products to the market. And we have beef cattle for manure generation for our plants.
Vijana Uongozini
Vijana Uongozini is a community youth organisation based in Embu County. It was
founded by Pithon Muchoki in 2017. Our vision is to have a responsible and responsive
youth population by offering a platform for the youth to discuss and provide solutions for
the social economic and political problems in Embu.
The organization has three thematic areas; leadership, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Under the pillar of leadership, the organization seeks to nurture young leaders who are
aspiring to run for elective office. We are also engaged in voter education and are planning
to conduct a voter registration drive before the 2022 general elections.
Under the mentorship and entrepreneurship pillars, the organization seeks to identify
successful role models in Embu (business people, sportsmen, religious leaders etc) and
organize motivational forums for the youth. Through these pillars, we raise money and
fund viable businesses by the youth in Embu.
Some of the successful activities we’ve conducted so far include; the Embu Filmmakers’
Summit (2018), the Embu Youth Leadership Forum (2019), the Fuzu Mentorship Program
(2020), and the Tuko Game Voter Education (2020).
Nyandarua County
Blue Spatial Africa
Blue Spatial Africa is an organization set up to advocate for intra-personal leadership
(leadership from within) by raising a generation of problem solvers using the geospatial
technology and digital literacy platform to advocate for as well as implement the SDGs in
solving problems through quality, equitable, and inclusive education to promote lifelong
learning. The above shall be achieved through enhancing critical thinking, creativity,
innovation, and entrepreneurship. Blue Spatial Africa’s target group are primary & high
school, college & university students.
Nyandarua County Tertiary Students Association (NCTSA)
Nyandarua County Tertiary Students Association (NCTSA) is a Community Based
Organization, Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organisation meant to help spearhead
community-driven development initiatives and enable youths to participate in integrated
activities to achieve quality livelihood and be self and sustainable.
NCTSA delivers its activities through the power and spirit of volunteerism approach by all
county students and graduates to build sustainable communities / intercultural exchange
and thriving villages in our country.
60

Nyandarua Youth Ambassadors
Nyandarua Youth Ambassadors is comprised of young vibrant talented youths with the
zeal & passion to transform society positively hence bringing change in every sector.
The organization envisions a better future and the right livelihood for families and
individuals in our villages and self-sustainable communities. In addition, the mission
of the organization is to improve the quality of life of the local communities through
sustainable local development.
The Nyandarua Youth Ambassadors shall realize their mission through empowering
the community groups through microfinance development, enhance and develop the
volunteerism spirit by deploying both local and international volunteers to community
projects, enhance productive livelihood and well-being for people living with HIV/
AIDS, to build and create awareness on infectious diseases in our communities,
support of orphans, vulnerable children, and street families, to establish a community
resource centre aimed at facilitating learning for the practice community and career
development, engage community group members to mobilize and enhance income-
generating activities and thus improve the communal asset base and assist community
groups initiating enterprises that will increase economic productivity that shall, in turn,
lead to wealth creation.
Nyeri County
Mt Kenya Cultural Initiative
The social-economic community-based organisation has its foundation on
Empowering The boychild Economically where it links Young innovators to a specific
centre of excellence.
The vision was moulded from Nyeri county where it was realized that lots of young
men have ventured into innovations most of them due to lack of exposure and capital
that made them locally innovate simple structures that would promote and develop
cottage industries.
Mt Kenya Human Rights Network
Mt Kenya Human Rights Network is a community-based organization that aims
at making desired improvements to the community’s social health, well-being, and
overall functioning of the community. We also do human rights advocacy.
Nyeri Young Women Empowerment Initiative
The objective of the CBO is to fight the escalating numbers of GBV especially targeted
at young women and children and develop programs that empower them to have a
voice to speak out against the vice.
The Youth Agenda
Youth Agenda (YAA) is a Youth-led, Youth-serving organization founded in 1996,
sparked by evidence exclusion of youth in spheres of life and fueled by a passion for
the ‘Total youth’. For over two decades, Youth Agenda been a leading advocate for the
Youth by developing their capacity to take charge of the affairs in their county through
leadership training, knowledge generation and dissemination as well as facilitating
61 platforms for them to engage in governance and development processes.
CEREB Youth League Profiles
Voice of Nyeri Initiative (V.O.N.I)
Voice of Nyeri Initiative is a community-based organisation working in Nyeri County
whose main objective is to empower communities to claim their rights by acting as the
linkage between duty bearers and the claim holders. The organisation is membership-
based and our activities are carried out in the 8 sub-counties.
Our vision is ‘An Empowered society for rights-based development’ whereas our mission
is ‘ To work together with the various stakeholders to achieve cohesive, participatory
and inclusive development.
Our main activities include lobbying and advocacy on various socio-economic issues,
civic education on leadership and governance, offering linkages on access to justice on
matters of gender-based violence, and networking and partnership building.
As we work towards achieving our objective, we take particular attention to the special
groups enshrined in our Constitution and ensure that all our programs strive to ensure
that they are meaningfully included and engaged.
Youth Achievers CBO
Youth Achievers is a CBO of young people whose interests are agribusiness, youth
empowerment, and civic education. Our mission is to empower young people
economically through education and engagement in community development
Kirinyaga County
Empire Sense Limited
Empire Sense Limited is a consulting company privately incorporated by the registrar
of companies in Kenya in August 2017. The company focuses on training, mentorship
and social and market research with a bias on the youth.
We have in the past partnered with the office of the MCA Tebere Ward Mwea, NG-
CDF Mwea and the NGAAF office to train youth groups on organic farming, financial
management, value addition and creation of simple crafts and we continue seeking
more partnerships to increase the capacity of the youth to be self-reliant and participate
more actively in governance issues.
Murang’a County
Dada Power
DadaPower is a women-led, affirmative action community initiative that was
founded to promote and enhance women’s rights through Education and Economic
empowerment. We strongly believe that every woman is entitled to a dignified life that
is characterized by sufficient access to development opportunities. The organization
envisions a society with confident, competent and engaged women.
62

“Dada” means sister, but also denotes “lady” among Kenyans. DadaPower, therefore,
means ladies of power. The title is inspired by the need to bring out the power within
every woman to have and express her voice, to access and defend her education, to
pursue her dreams and engage equally with men in society.
We believe in women empowerment as a tool for social accountability, sustainable
families, productive businesses and safe communities. Our work is therefore to promote
and enhance women’s Education in Academics, politics and leadership and income-
generating ventures; and to ensure their active and meaningful engagement in policy
formulation and implementation.
Our activities have largely centred on school programs. We visit rural primary and
secondary schools for motivational talks on goal setting, reproductive health, self-
esteem, education and competence.
In December 2018, DadaPower joined in the launch of the #WhatGirlsWant project that
is supported by the Athena Initiative, and will be implemented in Kenya’s Homabay
and Nairobi counties in 2019. It is a sexual reproductive health project aimed at creating
awareness among teenage girls on prevention, treatment and control of HIV/AIDS
infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) which are prevalent in these
counties. DadaPower participated by organizing and providing panellists for the event.
In addition, DadaPower is part of the larger Emerging Leaders Foundation community,
because the founder is an alumnus after taking a leadership course and been certified
in 2014.
Mt. Kenya Youth Panaceas
The Mt. Kenya Youth Panaceas seeks to mentor, and open room for young youthful
leaders and politicians in the region as well as in the country.
Visionary Empowering Organization
Visionary Empowering Organization was registered as an NGO in 2009 and is currently
located in Kangema where it operates in the counties of Murang’a, Kiambu, Nakuru,
and Kirinyaga. The organization seeks to mobilize women and youth to empower them
for the well-being of society. Some of its previous activities include mobilizing women
groups across these counties where every group has savings and credit programs and
have undergone training on good governance, environmental conservation, and HIV/
AIDS. We look forward to advancing our youth training through technical training.
Kiambu County
Kiheo Creatives
Kiheo creatives is a government registered youth group venturing into the agriculture
and animation industry. At the moment we are focusing on rearing black soldier flies
and hydroponic fodder farming. Our target is to produce 2 tons daily of black soldier fly
and rear 40 dairy cows.
63
CEREB Youth League Profiles
Laikipia County
Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) Kenya
DSW Kenya is a non-governmental organisation registered in Kenya as one of the
East African country offices of Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), a global
development organisation founded and headquartered in Germany. DSW Kenya
focuses on the needs and potential of the largest youth generation in history.
DSW Kenya is committed to creating demand for and access to health information,
services and supplies for the youth, and to securing their right to a brighter future.
We achieve this by engaging in advocacy, capacity development, and family planning
initiatives, which make sure the youth of today are empowered to lead healthy and self-
determined lives. DSW Kenya was established in May 2000 in Nairobi. It has additional
offices in Mombasa and Kitale with active programme interventions in 16 counties:
Bungoma, Embu, HomaBay, Kakamega, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi,
Nakuru, Nandi, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and West Pokot.
Mt. Kenya Youth Hub
Mt. Kenya Youth Hub was established on July 5th, 2015 by Global Platform Kenya and Mt.
Kenya Activista as a youth-led, Safe-space for youth in the Mt. Kenya Region. With the
mission to work with young people in creating an enabling environment to empower
young people to actively participate in governance and development processes, grow
and nurture their talent and abilities. To achieve this, we develop and implement
year-round youth-led capacity building, leadership, empowerment, and mentorship
programs for young people to learn, share and work in solidarity for social change.
Over the past 5 years, we have been able to reach thousands of young people from
different backgrounds through our youth programs, such as coffee bars, Tubonge,
debates, masterclasses, training, feminism and entrepreneurship forum, through
events such as International Youth Day, 16 days of Activism and youth groups and
individual use of space for meetings, study, and work.
There is a need to reach out to more youths and adapt creatively to the demands of
young women and men, hence through this concept note we look forward to achieving
greater outcomes in our effort to create solidarity and influence youth-led campaigns.
Nakuru County
Ability Focus Africa
John Michael Orimbo is the Founder and Director of Ability Focus Africa which is an
initiative for Persons with Disabilities and PWDs Advocates within Africa to foster their
engagement in Sustainable Development through Quality Education & Training,
Employment, Business Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Policy Advocacy and Innovations
towards living their #LifeBeyondLimits.
64

About The Youth Leagues
Young people need to take up leadership roles in order to realize their rights and
freedom. The Youth Leagues comes in handy so as to assist the youth envision
an inclusive society in which they will enjoy all rights and contribute towards
transforming, developing and advancing youth issues. The Youth Leagues are to
be established in the 47 Counties as a solution provider to the challenges faced by
the youth as well as assist in strengthening youth voices for collective action.
The youth need to be well organized, united and see themselves as actors to stop
discrimination, exclusion and exploitation from other leaders who take advantage
of their vulnerable status and naivety for their own self-gain. The Youth Leagues will
look beyond the various challenges faced by young people and seek to offer long
term solutions and give them an opportunity to exercise their rights and freedom.
Formulation and implementation of Youth Policies in all the 47 Counties is key
in addressing youth exclusion and drivers of inequalities. Youth mobilization,
organization and coordination is key in ensuring all matters concerning the youth
are well addressed and also contribute to the strengthening of the organic unity of
the youth movements.
These Youth Leagues will greatly contribute in the creation of a united, non-racial,
de-ethicized, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country as well as assist
the young people in participating actively in combating tribalism, regionalism,
nepotism, and other forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, clan, sex
and combating factionalism and malicious gossip within our ranks.
The Youth Leagues will also promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality, equity and
effective distribution of authority and accountability between men and women.
The Youth Congress and Youth Leagues seek to address youth exclusion and drivers
of inequalities. They envision an inclusive society in which youth enjoy all rights and
apply their agency. For The Youth Congress, youth mobilization, organization and
coordination are key to transformation, development and advancing youth courses.
Most important, integrity is a requirement that is as central as is the struggle for
expanded freedom, space and the Kenya they Want.
65
About the youth league
In order to facilitate creation of The Youth Leagues, The Youth Congress sent an
open application for youth groups, networks and organizations across the 47
counties. More than 500 applications were received and assessed. Through the
youth leaders and representatives there will be a Youth League Launched in every
County and leaders elected to ensure smooth running of youth activities as well
as ensuring the voice of the youth is amplified to champion for people-centered
governance.
Having such leagues in the counties will help prioritization and implementation
of youth programme and of the existing youth policies and formulation of the
same where need be and this will give the youth an opportunity to air out their
challenges, views and opinions as well as offer solutions.
Youth League Goals
Combat all forms of tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, and other forms
of discrimination affecting the youth.
Promote gender agenda, inclusion, equality and equity.
Promote national values, solidarity, cohesion, peace and social Justice.
Create a united, non-racial, de-ethicized, non-sexist, democratic and
prosperous country.
Contribute to the strengthening of the organic unity of the youth
movements.
Mobilise and organize meaningful youth leadership and participation
at communities, counties and national discourse.
66
 Recommendations
1. Access to Information. The National
and County government need to
amplify access to information on current
and existing opportunities for youth
participation opportunities.
2. Agriculture. DIssuance of title deeds and
investment in transport infrastructure
needs to be viewed as a means of creating
a conducive environment for commercial
agriculture.
3. Citizen Engagement. and convert
socioeconomic ideas into actionable
community projects. Allowing more
youth to participate in the budget-
making process offers the youth an
opportunity to increase their knowledge
and interest in public policy.
Youth caucuses need to develop youth-
centric proposals and policies and
forward them to County Assemblies and
the National Assembly for deliberation.
4. Economic Empowerment. Counties
need to consider business fees waiver
for youth enterprises as well as promote
the efficacy and potential of youth
engagement in agribusiness.
5. Emerging Economies. County
Government needs to speed more
resources in securing opportunities for its
youths in emerging economies through
the establishment of innovation hubs.
67
(a) Digital Economy. The digital
economy promises to offer thousands
of jobs to youths who have access to
a personal computer and the internet.
GoK, through the Ministry of ICT,
launched the Ajira Digital Programme
to increase awareness on the same.
The programme also trains youth in
the digital economy. The region needs
digital centres where the youth can
be trained on digital work by industry
players.
(b) Orange Economy. County & National
Government need to invest in Orange
Economy that is the Creative & Cultural
Industries. The orange economy
has been a success in Latin America
wherein in 2015 it created US$ 124
billion in revenue and 1.9 million jobs in
the region. Nollywood is the second-
largest movie industry in the world
and is valued at over US$ 3.3 billion
with over 1,500 movies produced per
annum.
6. Education. Counties need to enhance
career guidance & counselling (including
mentorship programs) given to all
students as a means of reducing the risks
of students dropping out from school.
7. Employability. Youth need to enrol at
TVETS to undergo on job specific training
and where possible, apprenticeships.
8. Environment. Counties facing
deforestation issues need to sensitize
communities on the importance of
planting trees as well as the impact of
deforestation.
9. Kenya Youth Development Policy
(2019). Counties need to invest in the
formulation and implementation of
the domesticated version of the KYDP.
10. Political Power. More youths need
to seek elective offices from the
MCA to the Presidential level. Once
such political power is realized, they
need to remain true to youth voice
by ensuring policies enacted by the
government are cognizant of the
needs and aspirations of youth.
11. Sexual Reproduction Health
Sensitize communities on sexual
and reproductive health to catalyse a
behaviour change on family planning.
Alternative rites of passage that are
not detrimental to the girlchild ought
to be considered. Counties need to
establish dedicated SRH centres
that shall also act as focal point for
championing anti-FGM community
awareness campaigns.
12. Social Deviancy. Counties need
to establish alcohol and drugs
rehabilitation centres at the sub
county level. NGAO officials should
work closely with the community in
countering violent extremism.
13. Waste Management. All counties
need to develop and enforce
comprehensive waste management
policies whose primary goal is
geared towards environmental
protection above all else. Community
sensitization on waste management
should be carried out by County
Governments and CSOs.
68
 Conclusion
Whereas many efforts have been put in
place to try and create opportunities for
young people – such as providing loan
facilities to start small enterprises or youth
work programs – these efforts have been
short-term and tokenistic in nature and
have therefore not led to the meaningful
change that is required to turn the large
youth population into a great asset. In
a country where these two realities of
advantaged and disadvantaged youth
co-exist side-by-side, a systemic approach
to provide long term solutions is urgently
needed.
Understanding the country’s population
growth, structure and distribution will
provide insights that help minimize
the challenges of a growing youth
population. Adequately investing in
the enrolment and completion rates of
young people in secondary, tertiary and
university education as well as improving
the quality and relevance of education
would sufficiently prepare students for
work and life. Additional investment in
youth reproductive health, urbanization,
innovation, and meaningful employment
would certainly help to maximize the
opportunities that youth bulges present.
Kenya’s description of its economic
space for the youth is dominated by
high rates of unemployment and an
increasingly shrinking of opportunities
in the formal economy – the civil service
and the private sector - the employment
mainstay of preceding generations.
Although real opportunities lie in the
informal sector whose rapid growth in
the last two decades makes it the frontier
for economic success for the youth, there
is a frustrating lack of access to factors of
production and the resources – financial
and otherwise – needed to actualize this
potential.
69
Focus is rapidly shifting towards the young
and play their role as active citizens – as
people as the country gears up for the
solution providers to all societal problems,
referendum and the 2022 elections. There
shall we enter the community of nations
will be significant political realignment
as a true democracy not defined by
before then. Lamentably, little is being
foreign interest, but the interest of
said about how to elevate young people
Kenyans. Through the establishment of
into leadership positions despite their
the SEKEB Youth League, we seek not
providing the bulk of the votes.
only to enhance youth agency but also
to change the cause of history and shape
There is a wrong notion that maturity
a better future. The rallying call, “Inquest
comes with age in the attainment of
for expanded freedom and space”
leadership in Africa. The youth’s attempt
reminds us of our rights, responsibilities
at taking up leadership roles previously
and aspirations as youth.
reserved for their seniors hasn’t been
received well by the older people.
Care has to be taken to prevent the
youths from slipping into the ills of
The youth must engage in leadership —
poor leadership that we have come
not only to represent their demography
accustomed to. Through an organized
but also to nurture themselves into great
and disciplined youth, our nation can
leaders. Ironically, the current crop of
be graced with leaders with fidelity
leaders was groomed for years but are
to the Constitution. A new and better
not eager to hand over the baton.
Kenya will be achieved only if youth
move away from the vices of the political
Young people have demonstrated their
leadership of the older generation:
huge success in other areas, such as
corruption, politics of division, greed,
innovativeness, yet they rank poorly in
enslavement by foreign interests, and
running for public office. This is due to
other forms of injustice.
immense obstacles such as age limits
and ethically biased political mobilisation.
In conclusion, emphasis is placed on the
Their success in the private sector shows
domestication and implementation of
they are the ones driving the economy.
the Kenya Youth Development Policy at
A new and better Kenya will be achieved
the county level. As envisioned by GoK,
only if visionary youth contest and win
KYDP is an expression of the collective
political power.
commitment of concerned stakeholders
to harness and optimize the strengths
The young people of this country must
and opportunities that the youth present
not agree to be weighed down by the
while addressing personal and structural
old ways; they must create a new path.
barriers that affect their productivity.
The country is waiting for passionate
Cognisant of the youth being the
and visionary youth leaders. The youth
strength, wealth and drivers of innovation
of Kenya is an essential component of
in Kenya, all Kenyans must make a
the Republic’s development and a key
concerted effort to implement the policy,
driver in the realization of the ideals of the
whose success shall require the youth
Constitution of Kenya (2010), Vision 2030,
to play an active role in identifying their
and the SDGs. The need for youth to take
respective needs and take the necessary
up their roles, and be change agents, is
actions in conjunction and with support
the only way to build a better Kenya. Only
of the relevant stakeholders.
when the youth take their rightful place
70
 Participants

71 72
 Annexe II:
Youth Organizations in the CEREB Youth Leagues
No Name Organisation(s)/ Institution County

1. Augustine Njagi Blue Eagle Youth Group Embu

2. Benard Ruiru ELF and Dada Power Murang’a
3. Caroline Kawira ACPYPN Meru
4. Charity Nyambura Ubuntu Women Wellness Centre Kiambu
5. Charles Njama Nyeri Muhoro Newsletter Nyeri
6. Collins Mureithi Centre for Adolescent & Young Change Makers Tharaka Nithi
7. Edward Ng’ang’a Smart Dedicated Youth Group Nakuru
8. Elvis N Mwangi Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW)Kenya Laikipia
9. Emilio Murithi Royal Media Services (RMS) Nyeri
10. Eunice Muthoni Voice of Nyeri Initiative Nyeri
11. Gakere Nyingi Nyandarua Youth Forum Nyandarua
12. Halima Hanii The Youth Congress Nairobi
13. Jackline Kinya Muruki The Sprout Initiative /Timeless Women of Wonder Meru
14. Jacob Njeru Embu Centre for Community Development Embu
15. James Gichuki Media Max Nyeri
16. James Maina Kameme TV Nyeri
17. James Mwangi Mwangangi County Government of Nyeri Nyeri
18. John Gachua TV 47 Nyeri
19. John M. Munyiri MCK Nyeri
20. John Orimbo Ability Focus Africa Nakuru
Annexe I 21.
22.
Josephat Kinyua Mwangi Capital FM Nyeri
Kamau John Murang’a Youth Elites Murang’a
Guest/speakers 23. Kelvin Mwenda Pillars for Resilience Tharaka Nithi
24. Kennedy Kimani Empire Sense Limited Kirinyaga
25. Lewis Brown Matheri TVET- Student Association Kiambu
No Name Position/Organisation(s)/ Institution 26. Lewis Mathenge Nyeri County Comrade Forum Nyeri
27. Martin Munene Royal Media Services Nyeri
1 Ann Waruguru Director, Youth Agenda 28. Marvin Kingori Nyandarua County Tertiary Organization Nyandarua
29. Monicah Njeri Blue Spatial Africa Nyandarua
2 Charles Waweru Rapporteur, The Youth Congress – Mombasa 30. Moris Mutuiri Inua Masomo Mashinani Initiative Meru
3 Dr. Annette Schwander County Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) 31. Muthoni Wangui Voice of Nyeri initiative CBO Nyeri
32. Mwangi Wangui Tale of The Youth Nyeri
4 Elizabeth Muthoni Voice of Nyeri initiative CBO 33. Nashaud Elijah Mt. Kenya Youth Hub Laikipia
34. Paul Wanjiru TV 47 Nyeri
5 Henry Ogola Program Coordinator, The Youth Congress 35. Phyllis Mwangi Visionary Empowering Organization Murang’a
36. Pithon Muchoki Vijana Uongozini Embu
6 Hon. Esther Ndungu CECM – Gender, Youth & Social Services, CG Nyeri 37. Robert Gacheru Kiambu County Kihero Creatives Youth Group Kiambu
38. Ronald Kinyua Kithaka Embu County Youth Assembly (ECOYA) Embu
7 Julius Gitau Nyeri County Director State Department of Youth
39. Ruth Wanjiku Gender Youth Social Services- Nyeri Nyeri
8 Nicodemus M. Sakayo President, Machakos County Youth Assembly 4. Salma Uledi Mt. Kenya Human Rights Network Nyeri
41. Samuel Theuri Royal Media Services (RMS) Nyeri
9 Raphael Obonyo Convenor, The Youth Congress 42. Seth Mwaniki People Daily Nyeri
43. Sharon Gitonga Enlightened Generation International Tharaka Nithi
10 Stephen Irungu Coordinator, Kabaru Youth Achievers 44. Sharon M Leparakuo Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) Kenya Laikipia
45. Silus Mwita Nyandarua Youth Ambassador Transforming Lives Nyandarua
46. Wahu Ngugi Kameme TV Nyeri
.
73 74
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76
 ANNEX II
About The Youth Congress
Origin & Identity
The Youth Congress (TYC) is a registered, youth serving Non-
Governmental Organisation (NGO) that provides young people
with a platform to articulate their issues, explore opportunities for
participation and leadership to effectively address their interest,
concerns, aspiration and engage young people in social, economic
and political process for development.

The organization emerged in the run-up to the 2007 general

elections in Kenya as part of efforts by youth to seek development
and emancipation through political accountability. Just before the
elections, the youth of the then Kasarani Constituency in Nairobi
developed the Kasarani People’s Manifesto, which parliamentary
and civic candidates had to sign as a show of their commitment to
work with the constituents in bringing about real development.
Subsequent events led to formation and consolidation of The Youth
Congress, which has evolved and is currently present in a number of
informal urban settlements and in different parts of Kenya.

Our Vision Our Mission

An inclusive society in which To provide a platform for the
the youth enjoy all rights and youth to improve their status
apply their agency and realize their full potential

Our Strategic Objectives

1. Meaningful participation of youth in Policy-making and
implementation.
2. Meaningful youth participation in leadership and governance
processes.
3. An empowered youth population benefiting from available
opportunities and utilizing their skills and talents for economic
development.
4. An effectively governed and managed organization with
adequate resources to deliver its Programme.

77 78

Our Strategic Approaches
• Capabilities approaches to youth rights.
• Mainstreaming of youth in all processes.
• Community-based work focused on root causes of poverty and marginalization.
• Information sharing, generation of knowledge and nurturing of skills.
• Partnership with individuals, groups and organizations with a shared vision.
• Reliance on unity, social cohesion and collective action amongst the youth.
• Promotion of equity and equality.
• Inclusive and gender-responsive Programme and practices.
Our Values
Independence Direction based on internal principles and organs
Integrity Honesty, accountability, transparency and professionalism
in all undertakings.
Volunteerism Reliance on the intrinsic motivation of members.
Non-discrimination Inclusion of and respect for all regardless of natural, political, from available opportunities and utilizing their skills and talents for economic
social, cultural, religion, economic or other distinction.
Relevance Coping with the emerging trends and applying innovation
to address them.
Resilience Determination and passion in all pursuits.
Our Niche
TYC is a self-driven, community rooted and human rights based movement of the youth
for the youth. It serves as a reliable youth agent, especially for young people in deprived
communities who bear the brunt of exclusion and impoverishment. It addresses the
diverse political, social, economic and cultural concerns of the youth through passion,
intellectualism, professionalism and role modeling. TYC relies on community-based
mobilisers to build its membership and access communities. At the same time, it
blends and interacts with the government and corporate world without compromising
its focus on needy communities.
79
About The Youth Congress
Our Programmes
1. Policy & Research
The Programme aims to realize meaningful participation of youth in Policy-making
and implementation. Its expected outputs are: improved knowledge on existing
policies and their effect on the youth; one stop information center on the state of the
youth in Kenya; coordinated advocacy initiatives on youth issues; and increased youth
participation in policy making and advocacy.
2. Youth & Leadership
The Programme aims to realize meaningful youth participation in leadership and
governance processes, and to build the next generation of youth leaders with vision
and values. Its expected outputs are: youth in leadership positions and processes;
increased awareness and capacity of youth to engage in leadership and governance
processes; and youth actively promoting ethical leadership.
3. Youth Entrepreneurship, Talent and Innovation
The Programme aims to realize an empowered youth population benefiting
development. Its expected outputs are: young people equipped with entrepreneurial
skills; young people linked to financial opportunities and markets; talent realization
and utilization by the youth; and partnerships and alliances built to advance youth
economic development.
4. Institutional Development
The Programme aims to realize an effectively governed and managed organization
with adequate resources to deliver its Programme. Its expected outputs are:
adequate resources for smooth and effective implementation of activities; a staff
complement that is competent, passionate, determined and responsive to youth
values and agenda; functional partnerships and networks; inclusive, participatory
and gender responsive Programme; management systems, guideline and policies
developed and implemented; and functional and inclusive management and
governance systems.
80
 Our Organisational Structure

Level Implementation Mandate

The General The General Assembly consists of representatives of the various

Assembly organs of The Youth Congress. These include: Secretariat,
Advisory Council, Youth Assembly and partners. The General
Assembly defines the overall direction and mandate of The
Youth Congress.

Youth This consists of representatives of the various youth

Assembly organisations, forums and networks that work with The
Youth Congress Youth Leagues. It facilitates mobilization,
organization and communication within The Youth Congress
and beyond.

The Advisory The Advisory Council serves as the Board to The Youth
Council Congress. It consists of selected persons with expertise in
different fields and who provide strategic advice, guidance,
mentorship and oversight to The Youth Congress on behalf of
the General Assembly.

The Secretariat The Youth Congress has a core human complement of

staff namely: Convener/Executive Director, Co-convener/
Programme Coordinator, Finance Manager, Programme
officers and Assistants, Administration staff and other team
members. The secretariat is responsible for the management
of the organisation’s routine affairs and reports to the Advisory
Council and the membership. Inclusion, gender balance,
commitment to gender equality and technical expertise on
gender issues are considered in the recruitment of staff and
consultants.

Reference These are ad hoc teams constituted to provide technical

Teams services and assistance to The Youth Congress on specific
matters. They consist of specialists, interest groups and
selected individuals.

Partners & These are individuals and organizations that share and
Networks support The Youth Congress. They include; NGOs, Faith Based
Organizations (FBOs), Community-Based Organizations
(CBOs), governments, private sector and development
agencies.
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 CONTACTS

Engyo Plaza 4th Floor,

Kariobangi North- off Kamunde Road
P. O. Box 44427 00100 Nairobi Kenya
Tel: +254 799 863 696 / 0770 254 864
Email: info@theyouthcongress.org
www.theyouthcongress.org