UNDP, Interior Ministry Launch Youth Empowerment Programme to Promote Peace and Livelihoods

By Violet Kerubo

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and with support from the Government of Korea, has launched a youth empowerment programme aimed at strengthening peace, livelihoods and resilience among vulnerable young people and communities.

The programme was officially launched at Kabete National Polytechnic in Nairobi, with Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo leading the event.

Implemented under the Regional Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) programme, the initiative seeks to equip vulnerable youth and women with technical and ICT skills that can improve their access to employment and income-generating opportunities.

The Nairobi launch brought together trainees undertaking ICT-related courses, many of whom come from densely populated areas such as Kawangware and Kangemi.

Speaking during the launch, PS Omollo said unemployment, poverty and marginalisation can undermine peace and create conditions that expose young people to crime and other forms of vulnerability.

He said equipping young people with practical skills would enable them to become economically independent while contributing to the country’s development.

The programme is being implemented in five counties — Nairobi, Kisumu, Isiolo, Kilifi and Marsabit — with a total of 450 learners participating. Each county has 90 trainees, with learners outside Nairobi participating through virtual training.

PS Omollo urged employers to consider offering opportunities to the trainees after completing their training, saying the skills acquired should translate into employment and sustainable livelihoods.

He also encouraged the youth to use the skills gained to create their own opportunities and businesses rather than relying solely on formal employment.

The PS thanked the Government of Korea, UNDP and other partners for supporting the initiative, as well as the trainees for taking advantage of the programme.

Kabete National Polytechnic, which hosted the launch, holds historical significance as one of Kenya’s oldest technical training institutions, having been established in 1924.

The programme is expected to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities by addressing some of the socioeconomic challenges affecting young people, particularly unemployment and limited access to skills and livelihood opportunities.

PS Omollo officially launched the programme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring young people acquire skills that can improve their economic prospects and contribute to a more peaceful and stable Kenya.