Examining the challenges of youth empowerment initiatives under Kenya vision 2030: a comparative analysis of selected projects

Abstract

Despite the presence of a plethora of youth intervention initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya being one of them, in practice, very little impact is seen in the lives of the intended beneficiaries. It is evident that significant challenges hamper the efficacy and sustainability of youth empowerment interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya’s growing youth population and the persistent challenges and risks faced by Kenyan youth exacerbate this state of affairs. This study, therefore, critically examines the challenges of youth empowerment initiatives, particularly selected projects under the Kenya Vision 2030 Strategy, through the lens of Development Administration Theory and Empowerment Theory. Guided by these conceptual frameworks, the study explores the policy environment, institutional capacity, resource management, and coordination mechanism challenges of selected youth-focused programmes, specifically the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP), Kazi Kwa Vijana (KKV), the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), and the Uwezo Fund. Using a qualitative research approach and document analysis as the primary method, the study investigates the constraints affecting the success and sustainability of these initiatives. Key challenges identified include insufficient and weak monitoring and coordination mechanisms; lack of beneficiary participation at all stages of the projects; weak accountability systems owing to a lack of measures for policy compliance; misconduct in the use of financial resources, such as corruption and embezzlement of funds; and political interference, among others.