Empowering Kenya's Youth for Economic Stability

Nairobi, Kenya – On September 24, 2024, the National Gender and Equality Commission, in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation Kenya, hosted a follow-up stakeholder meeting titled "Harnessing Youth Potential through Business: A Path to Economic Empowerment and Social Stability." This initiative aimed to address the pressing need for economic empowerment among the youth, who constitute 75% of the Kenyan population under 35.

The meeting emphasized several key focus areas: empowering youth to engage in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups through resource sharing and capacity-building initiatives; expanding access to affordable loans, grants, and venture capital for young entrepreneurs; and building networks that connect youth to both local and international markets for business growth.

Despite the immense potential of this demographic to drive economic growth, many young Kenyans continue to face significant barriers, including high unemployment rates, underemployment, and limited access to capital.

The Commission underscored the importance of addressing these challenges, asserting that fostering youth entrepreneurship is critical for achieving social stability and economic prosperity in Kenya.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, the meeting sought to pave the way for a more inclusive economy, where the talents and innovations of Kenya's youth can thrive and contribute to the nation’s overall development.

Head of Youth and Children Division, George Wanyonyi, actively engages in discussions during a vital stakeholder meeting.