The project contributes to strengthening the capacity and voice of Kenyan civil society, particularly youth-led organizations, as key actors in governance, accountability, and development. Through targeted support, the initiative promotes social and economic inclusion of youth in Nairobi and Kwale counties, equipping them with the skills, resources, and platforms needed to drive sustainable development.
The Context
Kenya’s growing youth population faces significant challenges in accessing decent employment, participating in governance, and adapting to rapidly evolving economic landscapes. The green and digital transitions offer untapped potential to address these issues, but young people are often excluded from meaningful engagement in these sectors. Sheria Ya Vijana! addresses these gaps by promoting youth participation in policy-making, supporting youth-led civil society, and fostering inclusive growth through targeted training and support in the green and digital economies.
Our intervention
- Mapping and Resource Access: We are co-developing and disseminating a comprehensive mapping of existing capacities, resources, and participation spaces for youth in decision-making and employment opportunities within the green and digital economy sectors.
- Enhancing The Technical and Vocational Education and Training curriculum: By integrating green and digital skills and solutions, digital literacy, critical thinking, understanding sustainability principles topics needed for climate compatible jobs.
- Organisation of County Youth Councils (CYF): Youth representatives from different regions are brought together to share best practices, exchange ideas, and engage in policy dialogue. These forums focus on youth employment, the green and digital economy, and social security, fostering dynamic and informed youth participation in decision-making.
- Financial Support to youth-led organisations with income generating activities and other youth led organisations: The project provides financial support and capacity building to youth-led civil society organizations working in the areas of income generation and social entrepreneurship.
- Exploring Barriers Faced by Youth with Disabilities Through focused group discussions: The project engages youth with disabilities to identify the specific barriers they face in accessing opportunities within the green and digital transitions.
- Inclusive Digital Campaigns: The project also collaborates with female micro-influencers with disabilities to co-create campaign content. These inclusive advocacy efforts raise awareness on the importance of equal access to green and digital opportunities and amplify the voices of underrepresented youth.
Target/direct beneficiaries
- 5.875 young people (15-29 years old) (60% women) being students, representatives of Youth Led Organizations / Youth Serving Organizations workers or those Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET).
- 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) tutors (40% women) will be selected from several educational institutions, for their interest in greening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training curriculum and including sustainability topics and green and digital solutions.
- 15 Engagement Empowerment Trust and Transformation facilitators/providers (60% women) will be selected for their interest in strengthening their knowledge and educational proposal, especially in green and digital economy opportunities.
- 25 Youth-led Organisations, Community Based Organizations, Civil Society Organisations and informal youth networks benefitting from Financial Support from third parties will be selected according to the criteria defined by the consortium.
- 95 Youth-owned Social Enterprises selected among the ones engaged in urban farming, food systems and agribusiness (green transition) and the ones in economy/freelancing (digital transition).
- 40 Social Media Influencers identified through a selection process focused on their reach, engagement with youth communities, and potential to amplify project messages.