The youth are the strength, wealth and drivers of innovation in Kenya. Deliberate and systematic efforts are necessary to appropriately equip and empower them to attain and realize their full potential and in turn, drive the attainment of development objectives set out in Kenya Vision (2030); and international commitments which include African Union Agenda (2063), United Nations Strategy for the Youth (2014) and SDGs (2030).
We are therefore delighted as Government, to roll out the Kenya Youth Development Policy (KYDP) (2019). This Policy is an expression of the collective commitment of concerned stakeholders to harness and optimize the strengths and opportunities that the youth present while addressing personal and structural barriers that affect their productivity.
It is important to acknowledge that previous policies have helped the country achieve a number of key milestones in youth empowerment efforts. Notable among them being: the establishment of the National Youth Council as a representative body advancing the voice of the youth, the establishment of several Affirmative Action Funds that continue to target youth, women and people living with disabilities with low/ interestfree funds for economic empowerment activities.
This Policy, which is an outcome of a broad based consultative process, is designed to promote the creation of sustainable decent jobs and income generating opportunities for all youth, facilitate building of digital skills and leverage young people’s natural affinity to technology which is powerful in helping the nation grow and strengthen its economic base thus become more competitive in today’s globalized markets.
Further, the policy intends to help realize a mentally and physically healthy nation which is socially secure. In addition, it will nurture a value driven, moral, ethical generation of patriotic youth with a heart for volunteerism and transformative leadership. Harnessing the full power of youth talent, creativity and innovation for wealth creation is critical for a job-ready work force across all sectors of national and global economy and this has been given due consideration in this policy. The policy has outlined strategies that contribute to a crime free, secure, peaceful and united Kenya.
This Policy is underpinned by strong partnerships and a multi-agency approach including the youth, private sector, development partners, youth serving organizations, faith-based organizations; and other stakeholders. Through these partnerships, the objectives of this Policy will be pursued through rights-based, professional, mainstreamed, sustainable and co-ordinated approaches guided by national values and principles of governance.
The Policy provides for its implementation, co-ordination framework at the national, county and sub-county levels through the National Government administration structures and County Government structures down to the youth at the grassroots.
The Policy also provides for institutional, communication, monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective implementation of the identified Policy objectives and measures. We are confident that all players, actors and stakeholders will find space to fit in and play their part within the youth space in a way that is coherent and that breaks down the silos that have existed in the sector for over a decade.
Finally, success in the implementation of the Policy shall require the youth to play an active role in identifying their needs and taking necessary action with the support of stakeholders. All youth serving organizations and youth groups; development partners; families and the larger society; private sector; the County Governments; National Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the international community shall also play a leading role in the realization of the aspirations of the Policy.
The Government remains committed to all efforts directed at the realization of the youth’ potential in nation building, in line with the Constitution and all regional and international conventions and charters signed relating to the youth.