Nairobi: The County Government of Narok, through its Department of Youth Affairs, is exploring a partnership with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) to introduce transformative youth programmes aimed at tackling key challenges faced by young people in the county. Speaking at a County Youth Stakeholders Forum, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth, Robert Simotwo, emphasised the importance of collective action in empowering youth.
According to Kenya News Agency, Simotwo noted the existing gaps in youth initiatives and called for coordinated efforts to equip young people with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive. ‘We must come together as partners, stakeholders, and leaders to ensure that our young people are not left behind. Empowering them with the right skills and opportunities is crucial to building a prosperous society,’ said Simotwo.
The Chief Officer for Youth Affairs, Pesi Ntari, echoed Simotwo’s sentiments, stressing the significance of the collaboration with IYF. She reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of IYF programmes, expressing confidence in the potential impact on Narok’s youth. ‘We are committed to working closely with the International Youth Fellowship to ensure that our youth can access these life-changing programmes. Together, we will create pathways for personal and professional development,’ affirmed Ntari.
County IYF Director, Pastor John Mucheru, outlined the core initiatives that IYF aims to introduce in Narok. These include a free weekend academy, which offers basic soft skills training through short courses, job creation initiatives and opportunities to connect youth with potential employers. Mucheru also cited the significance of IYF’s flagship Mind Education programme, which focuses on rehabilitating former prisoners and equipping them to serve as chaplains within Kenyan prisons. ‘Our goal is to instill a positive mindset and equip young people with practical skills that will transform their lives. Through this partnership, we aim to empower the youth of Narok County with the tools they need to succeed,’ said Pastor Mucheru.
The proposed partnership between the County Government of Narok and IYF aims to deliver a structured and meaningful approach to youth empowerment, focusing on both personal development and career growth opportunities.