Empowering African Youth: Unleashing the Power of Protests and Leadership Development in Kenya

• In Event: Roundtable Group 1
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Afrika SIG Roundtables

Proposal

In Kenya, with a youth population of 1.3 billion and a median age of 19, USAID recognizes the immense potential of African youth as catalysts for change. Through programs such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and partnerships with organizations like the National Youth Bunge Association, USAID invests in the leadership development and entrepreneurial skills of young Kenyans. Additionally, the YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) in Kenya serves as a hub for empowering diverse leaders in East Africa. This presentation will delve into the core functions of the RLC, highlight youth-driven initiatives, and explore how these leaders use their skills to enact positive change in their communities. By shedding light on USAID's involvement, the presentation will showcase, alternative to protests, such as coordinated work with Village Youth Bunges (Village Parliaments), and youth empowerment.

Authors

• George Wafula Khisa, United States Agency for International Development USAID

• Rosemary Wanjala, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Kenya and East Africa