Semi Autonomous Government Agencies in Directorate of Youth; the youth fund, Uwezo fund, President’s award
There are Agencies in the Directorate of Youth that play a key role in matters youths. These are initiatives meant for youth empowerment such as YEDF, WEF, AGPO and UWEZO funds.
1). Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)
This is a catalytic fund which was established in order to address youth un-employment through access to credit for business start-up that does not require collateral. It is disbursed to youth in registered youth groups or individual youth. YEDF provides guarantee credit for youth suppliers to government entities and also secures employment abroad for youth with technical skills.
2). Uwezo Fund
This is a catalytic fund targeting youth, women and persons with disabilities. It was established in order to address youth un-employment through access to credit for business start-up that does not require collateral. It is disbursed to youth in registered youth groups or individual youth
3). Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO)
Enhancement of youth employment is addressed through reservation of 30% of government procurement opportunities to youth, women and persons with disabilities.
4). National Youth Council (NYC)
The National Youth Council Act, 2009 provides a representation forum on delegation basis in line with Constitution of Kenya 2010. NYC champions for youth interest.
5). International Congress for Great Lakes Region (ICGLR)
This youth forum comprises countries in the Great Lakes Region namely; Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Uganda, Republic of South Sudan, the Republic Soudan and the Republic of Zambia.
The main purpose of ICGLR is to fight against youth unemployment through infrastructures development and investment.
The ICGLR Secretariat is hosted in Nairobi. Kenya played host to the Regional Multifunctional Youth Forum was held from 20th to 21st July 2014, in Nairobi.
6). President’s Award
The President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K) is an exciting self-development and character building programme available to all young people countrywide equipping them with positive life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities, country and the world. The Award is open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 24, irrespective of gender, creed, race, social or physical status.
It has trained adult volunteer helpers who inspire and support the young people in their pursuance of the programme activities. The Programme grants the young people with the opportunity to discover and nurture potential leadership skills as well as motivation to serve the community.
It provides holistic development by addressing the following thematic areas:
a). Improved Educational attainment
b). Improved employability and sustainable livelihoods
c). Improved health and well-being
d). Increased participation in civic life
e). Social Inclusion
f). The Environment
Gender, equality and the empowerment of women
g). Reduction and prevention of violence, conflict resolution and peace building
h). Reduced re-offending (recidivism) rates
PA-K operates in across the 47 counties of the republic. So far over 350,000 young people have directly benefited through the Award and many more have benefited from the activities. As a result, some now in their adult lives are actively engaged in the socio-economic development of our country.
