The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has rolled out a strategy to empower youth and shield them from violence, crime, and political manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative, dubbed "Claiming Space, Claiming Kenya," seeks to engage young people in meaningful activities and provide them with economic opportunities. NCCK called on the government, counties, and other development partners to focus on issues affecting youth, many of whom are desperate and easy targets for political manipulation.
The Uasin Gishu chapter of the NCCK has presented a memorandum to the county government seeking the establishment of a County Youth Employment and Economic Empowerment Programme. The proposal is part of the national initiative by the NCCK to empower young people. NCCK Uasin Gishu deputy chairperson Rev. Joseph Watila commended the county's efforts in youth empowerment but raised concern over rising cases of crime, goonism, femicide, and drug abuse, which he attributed to idleness among young people.
Rev. Watila called for the youth agenda to be fully incorporated into the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), with more playing grounds completed and more talent-harnessing tournaments organised to help export local talent. He emphasized that the NCCK is keen to work with all partners in helping empower youth in various ways so that they can engage in meaningful and positive activities to earn a living. The NCCK and affiliated churches will also use religious forums to sensitise youth on the need to keep peace and unity during the election period.
Uasin Gishu chief officer for youth and sports Victorine Kapkiai said there were ongoing county interventions targeting the youth in all areas. She said the engagements include the establishment of ICT hubs across the county and a modern youth centre equipped with a theatre at the county headquarters which is expected to be complete by the end of the next financial year. The county is using a ward-based model to reach the youth and has so far engaged over 12,000 young people through 600 teams under the Governor's Cup.
The Governor's Cup initiative has also helped in addressing drug abuse and other challenges. The County, in partnership with NCCK, will bring together over 2,000 youth for a mentorship program. The NCCK and the county have agreed to work together to find amicable solutions to youth unemployment, which they described as a major and evolving problem. This partnership aims to provide young people with skills and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to manipulation.
Bishop Josphat Kimani, a member of the NCCK North Rift Regional Committee, emphasized the need for enhanced sensitization through pulpit messaging on elections and youth participation. He said the church is a co-partner in youth development and encouraged the youth to participate in the electoral process, including vying for political positions. Other church leaders also proposed the development of sports academies and speedy completion and utilization of stadiums to engage young people in positive activities.
The church leaders commended Uasin Gishu county for improved security in areas like Langas Estate, attributing it to sustained youth engagement initiatives. The county has allocated adequate funds to support youth through sporting activities and is rolling out empowerment programs such as Jiajiri and working through 13 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to provide tools and skills. The NCCK's initiative is expected to be implemented in collaboration with counties and other stakeholders to ensure its success.
Key points
- The NCCK has launched a national initiative to empower youth and prevent violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The initiative, dubbed "Claiming Space, Claiming Kenya," seeks to engage young people in meaningful activities and provide them with economic opportunities.
- The NCCK is working with counties and other stakeholders to implement the initiative and provide support to young people.
