A section of Kwale youth attends an empowerment program at Bombo in Matuga Sub-County.
By Shaban Omar
More than 100 young people from Kwale County were taken through an intensive training program aimed at transforming their lives through financial empowerment, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and talent development.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Children Empowerment and Development (CHED) CBO under the Kujenga Amani Project, is supported by WeWorld and co-funded by the European Union (EU).
It seeks to equip young people with the skills and opportunities necessary to build sustainable livelihoods while fostering peace within their communities.
A Ray of Hope for Vulnerable Youth
Among the beneficiaries are boda boda operators, young mothers, and youth from maskanis (informal gathering spots) across Matuga Sub-County, including Bombo, Kiteje, Mtsengoni, and Ng’ombeni.
The areas have long struggled with issues like unemployment, crime, and teenage pregnancies.
For years, many young people in the targeted group have felt trapped, lacking opportunities, battling economic hardships, and sometimes being drawn into criminal activities or risky behaviors.
A section of Boda bodas attends an empowerment baraza at Ng’ombeni, Kwale County.
Boda boda riders, often accused of contributing to teenage pregnancies and insecurity, now have a chance to rewrite their narrative.
Young mothers, many forced to drop out of school, are gaining new skills to become financially independent.
Equipping Youth with Life-Changing Skills
Speaking at Ng’ombeni Primary School, CHED BBTI Program Coordinator Hamisi Mohammed Magisu stressed the urgency of empowering young people to help them escape the cycle of poverty and crime.
“We recognize the immense potential these young people have, but without support, they are pushed toward social vices,” he said.
Magisu said through the program, youth are given necessary tools to take charge of their future.
The training covered financial literacy and entrepreneurship that involved teaching youth how to budget, save, and invest for financial independence.
CHED program coordinator Hamisi Mohammed Magisu (left).
Small business development where youth are offered mentorship, guidance, and loan access opportunities to kickstart income-generating ventures.
Magisu said the youth, especially young mothers were also taken through GBV prevention and gender equality where they were educated about their rights and safe spaces.
He added that the BBTI consists of talent-based peacebuilding aimed at encouraging sports, music, and the arts as tools for social change.
Magisu said that talent is a powerful tool for peace and stability.
CHED Program Coordinator Hamis Magisu, Finance officer Omar Musa and Assistant Secretary Bibi Said.
“Instead of engaging in crime or drugs, youth can use their talents in music, sports, and arts to uplift themselves and their communities,” he said.
Transforming Lives, One Youth at a Time
Mariam Omar, Director of Super Young Mothers, shared how young women now understand their rights and can seek help in cases of abuse.
She said many young mothers often suffer in silence because they don’t know where to report GBV.
Omar said the training has empowered them to stand up for themselves.
Super Young Mothers Director Mariam Omar
Ali Mwalimu, the Ng’ombeni Cabro Boda Boda chairperson, admitted that the boda boda sector has often been misused to fuel crime—sometimes unknowingly.
“This training has opened our eyes. We now understand that we have a responsibility to promote peace in our communities,” he said.
He added that he is now more confident in managing his income and planning for a better future.
For Mejumaa Suleiman from Bombo Village, the training has been a game-changer.
“Before this, I never understood how financial empowerment connects to peace and security. Now, I do. I feel ready to take control of my future,” she said.
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