The Kenyan government has launched a program to train 450 young people and women in five counties, as it seeks to address unemployment, marginalization and other conditions that can leave communities vulnerable to violent extremism.
The initiative will support 90 participants each in Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo and Samburu.
The program, known as the Resilient Livelihoods and Vulnerable Youth and Communities Empowerment Initiative, was unveiled during a meeting of the steering committee overseeing the Peace building and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa Program.
It is being carried out under the Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace program, with support from the Kenyan government, South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Development Program and technical and vocational training institutions.
Training Linked to Local Opportunities
Participants will receive vocational training based on the economic opportunities available in their counties.
In Nairobi, the focus will include digital skills and information and communications technology. In Kilifi, participants will train in coastal tourism, while those in Kisumu will learn about cage aquaculture.
In Isiolo and Samburu, training will include beekeeping, bead work and handicrafts.
The program is also designed to go beyond classroom training. Beneficiaries will be connected with business licensing services, financing, markets, mentorship and enterprise development support.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said economic opportunity must form part of efforts to prevent violence and extremism.
The focus is on strengthening community resilience, promoting social cohesion and expanding economic opportunities.”
Raymond Omollo said many young people drawn into criminal or extremist networks were responding to feelings of exclusion and unresolved grievances.
“The reality is that those recruited into criminal and extremist networks are our people,” he said, adding that community-based programs were therefore important.
Climate and Digital Risks
The government also linked security concerns to climate pressures and competition over natural resources.
Raymond Omollo said conflicts over scarce resources were increasing risks in some parts of the country. He called for closer co-operation between national and county governments and organisations involved in peace building.
Digital platforms were another concern.
The PS called for greater digital literacy among young people as misinformation, extremist messaging and harmful online content continue to spread.
The new programme will complement existing government initiatives, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement programme, which focuses on employment, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Focus Turns to 2027 Elections
With Kenya’s next General Election approaching, Omollo also outlined the government’s plans for maintaining security during the campaign and voting period.
He said the government had prepared a security strategy covering the period before, during and after the election.
“Our objective is to ensure that Kenyans can participate in the electoral process peacefully and that every political contestant can present their ideas without intimidation or violence,” he said.
The government is also working to revive the Uwiano Platform for Peace, which supports early warning, civic engagement and conflict prevention.
Raymond Omollo warned political leaders against exploiting young people for violence.
He said security agencies would act against criminal activity carried out in the name of politics and urged leaders to campaign peacefully.
The challenge now will be to ensure that the new livelihood programme delivers more than training.
For the 450 beneficiaries, access to skills will matter most if it leads to income, businesses and a stronger stake in their communities.
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