Our Programs
Building stronger communities with shared knowledge
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Governance determines who has power, who makes decisions, how other players make their voices heard and how service is rendered. Good governance articulates key attributes in structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and effective public participation. Successful programs implemented have not only ensured that the voice of young people is heard but that they are involved in and benefit from all mechanisms, processes and systems that promote good governance especially at the county level in the devolved units.
The government of Kenya has domesticated international and continental
instruments on youth agenda by putting in place various legal, institutional and policy frameworks with the aim of optimizing the contribution of the youth to sustainable development.
Some of the legal frameworks include the World Programme of Action for Youth6 (1995); the Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (2017); the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth7 (2015); United Nations Security Council resolution 22508; and the African Youth Charter9 among others.
Legal and policy frameworks in the domestic front include the Kenya Constitution 2010; the National Youth Policy – 2007; the National Youth Council Act – 2009; National Youth Volunteerism Strategy; Affirmative Action Funds; Access to Government Procurement Opportunities – AGPO 2013; Marshall Plan in Youth Employment and Development – 2008; the Kenya Vision 2030; and the Kenya Youth Development Policy – KYDP 2018. KCEN will through its advocacy work, follow up on the implementation of these policies for the benefit of young people.
KCEN seeks to strengthen its authority, role and visibility in setting, prioritizing and influencing relevant policy changes. KCEN will take actions to increase its visibility in policy spaces and engagement in governance processes by establishing strategic partnerships that add greatest value to youth development. KCEN will strengthen data collection efforts with a view to providing a sound evidence base for the various policy interventions regarding youth development. KCEN will strengthen and work with its Member Organizations in matters of policy, public participation, social accountability, constitutional processes and budgeting processes.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), KCEN will strengthen existing program areas and venture into new program areas namely: productive employment and decent work; skills development (ICT and vocational); youth enterprise development, incubation and agriculture; climate change and environment among others.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOOD
KCEN recognizes that investing in young people is critical to achieving inclusive, equitable and sustainable development for present and future generations. In this regard, KCEN seeks to contribute to the meaningful development of young people by developing evidence-driven, innovative, sustainable and relevant programs that address practical and emerging needs of young people. Specifically, KCEN will align its programming to the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and related national, regional and international frameworks, including the Africa Youth Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the World Program of Action for Youth and the Continental Strategy on Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among others.
Environmental programmes Sustainable Communities, Clean Environment
1. Programme Vision
A clean, green, and climate-resilient Kiambu County where communities actively participate in protecting and restoring their environment.
2. Core Objectives
1. Promote proper waste management in households, markets, and urban centres.
2. Enhance climate resilience through tree planting and community-led conservation.
3. Improve water quality and protection of water catchment areas such as rivers, springs, and wetlands.
4. Strengthen environmental governance through community awareness, youth engagement, and policy advocacy.
5. Promote sustainable livelihoods aligned with environmental protection.
3. Key Program Components
A. Waste Management & Clean-Up Initiative
Goals
Reduce pollution, promote recycling, and support county waste management efforts.
Activities
Monthly community clean-ups in towns (Thika, Kiambu, Ruiru, Limuru, Kikuyu, Githunguri).
“My Market, My Responsibility” waste segregation initiative in major markets.
Train youth groups on recycling, composting, and upcycling (plastics, paper, organic waste).
Establish community waste collection points in underserved areas.