Kwale: Youth leaders, government officials and community organizations in Kwale County, have welcomed the launch of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan by Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW) aimed at empowering young people through leadership, economic opportunities, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
According to Kenya News Agency, Kwale County Director of Youth Affairs, Kent Simiyu, praised the organization for supporting youth development initiatives in the county. Simiyu expressed gratitude for YSW’s long-standing presence in Kwale, aiding the youth and delivering tangible results. He emphasized that the Strategic Plan provides a roadmap up to 2030, focusing on issues like SRHR, economic empowerment, and leadership development.
Simiyu highlighted that the government lacks sufficient resources to reach every young person, and organizations like YSW complement governmental efforts. The partnership is expected to connect youth to opportunities such as the Youth Fund, Uwezo Fund, vocational training programs, and the upcoming National Youth Council elections. He mentioned plans to use this platform to educate youth about the National Youth Council, its benefits, and participation methods.
Nelly Amoite, Gender Director from the State Department of Gender, noted that the Strategic Plan addresses key challenges affecting youth, particularly young women. She emphasized the plan’s focus on SRHR, health matters, gender equality, and leadership. Amoite revealed government plans to establish a Gender-Based Violence rescue center in Kwale County in the coming months.
Philis Wabwire, Program and Advocacy Coordinator for Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW), stated that the Strategic Plan was developed through consultations with youth, government departments, and community stakeholders. Wabwire outlined the organization’s vision of empowering young people, especially women and girls, in shaping their rights, opportunities, and future. She stressed that the organization will focus on access to SRHR services, entrepreneurship training, vocational skills, women and girls’ empowerment, and youth participation in governance and policy-making.
Biasha Jasho, Executive Director for Msambweni Queens Self-Help group, commended previous collaborations with YSW for positively impacting youth through training and economic empowerment programs. She noted that the Strategic Plan continues to highlight Gender-Based Violence issues, a focus area for their ongoing efforts.
Ibrahim Shabani of Lungalunga Youth Community Based Organization (CBO) remarked that the Strategic Plan strongly encourages young people to seek leadership positions ahead of the 2027 General Election. He observed a growing trend of young people aspiring for leadership roles, with the plan providing them space to grow as leaders.
Youth representative, Swalha Fadhili, from Young Shutters, expressed confidence that the strategy will address GBV, teenage pregnancies, and HIV infections through community awareness programs. She emphasized that the awareness being created in communities will bring about change.
