The Kenyan government has initiated a skills development and livelihood programme aimed at empowering 450 vulnerable youth and women across five counties. This effort seeks to tackle the socioeconomic factors that contribute to violent extremism and enhance community resilience.

Unveiled during the Fifth Programme Steering Committee meeting of the Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa Programme, the initiative targets beneficiaries from Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo, and Samburu counties.

Programme Details and Focus

  • Named the Resilient Livelihoods and Vulnerable Youth and Communities Empowerment Initiative, the project operates under the Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace (BRACE4PEACE) Programme.
  • It is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Kenya, the Republic of Korea through KOICA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and technical and vocational education institutions.
  • The first group includes 90 participants from each county who will receive market-driven technical and vocational training tailored to local economic opportunities.
  • Training focuses include digital solutions and ICT in Nairobi, coastal tourism in Kilifi, cage aquaculture in Kisumu, plus beekeeping, beadwork, and handicrafts in Isiolo and Samburu.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Training

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, emphasized that the programme extends beyond skills development. Beneficiaries will be linked to business licensing, financing, enterprise development services, mentorship, and market access. Integration with national and county government initiatives aims to foster sustainable livelihoods.

Dr Omollo highlighted the importance of addressing the root social and economic conditions that expose communities to crime and extremism. He stressed that social cohesion, community resilience, and expanded economic opportunities must advance together to reduce risks.

Context and Broader Government Efforts

The initiative complements existing government programmes such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), which promotes youth employment and entrepreneurship. Dr Omollo acknowledged ongoing challenges including terrorism, environmental pressures, resource competition, marginalization, and misuse of digital platforms by extremist groups.

He also called for increased digital literacy to counter misinformation and extremist narratives online, and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among national and county governments and peacebuilding institutions to prevent conflict, especially amid climate-related pressures.

Election Security and Political Stability

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Dr Omollo outlined a comprehensive security strategy designed to ensure peaceful campaigns and voting. The government is revitalizing the Uwiano Platform for Peace to enhance early warning systems and civic engagement during the electoral period.

He warned against political violence, affirming that security agencies will act decisively against criminal acts disguised as political activities. Political leaders were urged to conduct peaceful campaigns and discourage exploitation of youth for political gains, while citizens were called on to reject violence and embrace political tolerance.