Talent, Peace and Employment

Kiunga Youth for Peace and Development

Kiunga Youth for Peace and Development is a community organisation based in Kiunga, Lamu County, Kenya. Kiunga is a coastal community bordering Somalia to the north and the Indian Ocean to the east, where fishing and small-scale farming are the main sources of livelihood. The community faces significant educational challenges, including low academic achievement, a cultural preference for educating boys over girls, and high rates of school absenteeism and dropouts – particularly among girls, many of whom do not advance beyond primary school due to early marriages. These issues contribute to a growing number of idle and unemployed youth, some of whom are vulnerable to recruitment by militant groups. Insecurity has further exacerbated the lack of job opportunities and disrupted access to education. The organisation’s key priorities are to promote inclusive access to quality education—especially for girls—create employment opportunities for youth and enhance community safety and stability.

How might we ensure our youth are meaningfully engaged in safe and peaceful activities?

Insecurity and ongoing conflict in the area has a strongly detrimental effect on youth, who struggle to find opportunities in both employment and education. Young people need access to opportunities not only to thrive, but also to ensure they are not a target for radicalisation and recruitment into militia groups. This has become a significant concern not only for parents but also for Kenya as a nation and the global community at large. Young people in the area have often been noted to be in direct conflict with security forces due to ethnic and other tensions, which can push them further into the margins of society and away from positive engagement with the community.

“Youth from Kiunga are disadvantaged as they lack opportunities due to being marginalized and because of the lack of infrastructure that has led to the community being cut off from developments.”

Ali Jeilan, Chair-person of Okoa Kiunga Youth Group

Talent, Peace and Employment (Talanta, Ajira na Amani)

The organisation aims to address these challenges by engaging young people in sports and games clubs which promote wellbeing, understanding and help reduce conflict. The group provides the necessary resources to support youth participation, sometimes reaching out to well-wishers and donors for additional support. Sports include active games like football, as well as cognitive games like chess. The activities promote problem-solving, self-confidence, communication, and collaboration, and aid in reconciling tensions between different groups – a key competency for this age group for Schools2030 Kenya and aligned with national priorities.

Kiunga Youth for Peace and Development provides specific opportunities to bring young people and members of the security forces together to engage in games like chess, offering a space that promotes tolerance and mutual understanding between groups that have sometimes been in conflict. The sporting activities also have the added bonus of promoting a healthy lifestyle, boosting endorphins, relieving stress and reducing instances of anxiety and depression.

More girls in sport, building confidence and bridges between different groups

The activities have been in place for three months, with a total of 70 boys and 30 girls actively participating. Among the boys, 30 are from the village and are not currently enrolled in school, while 20 of the girls are also non-school-going youth. By occupying young people meaningfully in this way, it makes them less vulnerable to being recruited by militant groups and importantly, gives them a sense of community.

One notable outcome so far has been the increased participation of girls in sports activities, which has had a significant impact on their self-esteem and confidence. The games have also proven to be a powerful medium for bridging gaps between youth and security forces, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. Furthermore, it has helped break down stereotypes by a significant percentage, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for both boys and girls.

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