This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On June 29, 2019, the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender announced its plan to operationalize 152 Youth Empowerment Centres (YECs) across Kenya. This initiative, led by the State Department for Youth, aims to address various youth challenges, including inadequate access to ICT services, guidance, and counseling on drugs and substance abuse, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention.
According to Principal Secretary Francis Owino, the centres will provide a platform for promoting and nurturing youth talent, positive leisure, recreation, and interaction. This is part of the government's efforts to tackle the high rate of unemployment in the country. The centres will also enhance the capacity of the youth by providing necessary services and information.
The first YEC was launched in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, where Principal Secretary Owino expressed hope that the centre would provide opportunities for talent nurturing, development, and recreation among the youth. He also mentioned that the centre will offer e-learning and e-commerce opportunities through the Ajira Digital Programme.
During the launch event, Owino disbursed Sh23,545,000 from Affirmative Funds to support youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Although the article does not mention the specific year of the photo, a similar event was reported in 2016, featuring Ronoh Kiprono, the Director of Programmes and Standards at ICT Authority.
