By Erick Wanjala
The Government through the interior ministry in partnership with UNDP Kenya and Korean Government under Koica has launched a new skills development and livelihood programme targeting 450 vulnerable youth and women across five counties, in a major push to address unemployment and strengthen communities against violent extremism, crime and political violence.
The programme was launched by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo during the First of it's kind Programme at Kabete Polytecnic Campus where more than 80 students showcased the skills gathered from the training.
The first cohort comprises 90 beneficiaries from each of Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo and Samburu counties. Participants will receive practical, market-oriented training designed to improve employability, entrepreneurship and income generation.
Under the initiative, training has been tailored to the economic opportunities available in each county. Nairobi beneficiaries will focus on digital solutions and ICT, Kilifi on coastal tourism, Kisumu on cage aquaculture, while participants in Isiolo and Samburu will receive training in areas including beekeeping, beadwork and handicrafts.
Speaking during the launch, PS Omollo said sustainable peace cannot be achieved through security measures alone, stressing the importance of tackling the social and economic conditions that leave vulnerable communities exposed to crime and violent extremism.
He said the programme would focus on strengthening community resilience, promoting social cohesion and expanding economic opportunities.
The initiative, implemented under the Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace (BRACE4PEACE) Programme, brings together the Government of Kenya, the Republic of Korea through KOICA, UNDP, technical and vocational institutions and peacebuilding partners.
The UNDP representative in Kenya highlighted on the graduands being agents of peace by being committed on the program and showing at most discipline ,resilience through the 5 counties in order to capture the national appeal to the fellow youths.
Beyond technical training, beneficiaries are expected to receive support in areas such as business licensing, financing, mentorship, enterprise development and access to markets.
This approach is intended to ensure that the skills acquired can translate into sustainable livelihoods and income-generating opportunities.
PS Omollo noted that unemployment, marginalisation and a lack of economic opportunities can leave young people vulnerable to exploitation by criminal and extremist networks. He called for stronger community-based interventions to address these underlying challenges.
The Government has also urged young people to reject attempts by political actors and criminal networks to exploit their economic vulnerabilities, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
The programme therefore represents a shift towards prevention—combining skills development, economic empowerment and peacebuilding with security interventions to create more resilient communities.
With 450 beneficiaries forming the first cohort, the initiative is expected to provide a model that can be strengthened and expanded to reach more vulnerable young people across the country.
The Government and its partners maintain that empowering young people with practical skills and sustainable economic opportunities is not only an investment in their future but also an important pillar in building a peaceful, cohesive and secure Kenya.
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