A section of Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO takes photo with some government officials in Kwale County in 2025.
BY SHABAN OMAR
Rising youth unemployment has been identified as a key driver of insecurity in Lunga-Lunga sub-county, according to local officials and community leaders.
Speaking in an interview, area youth officer John Githinji and Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO (LYC) director Ibrahim Shaban attributed the increasing crime rates among young people to a lack of job opportunities, which they say is pushing many into criminal activities for survival.
“The youth here are struggling to find work. With no source of income, some are resorting to theft, drug abuse, and gang-related activities,” said Githinji.
The officers made the remarks while engaging youth in a public baraza creating awareness on numerous government job opportunities and funds available to improve their lives.
The program was organized by LYC through their project ‘Meaningful Opportunities for Youth’ supported by We-World and Co-funded European Union.
The MOY project, which aims to educate and empower youth through awareness programs, is currently being implemented in Vanga, Mwereni, and Dzombo.
Githinji praised the program, noting that it aligns with the government’s agenda of empowering youth and creating employment opportunities.
He said that the initiative would help young people engage in meaningful income-generating activities while steering them away from violence and drug abuse.
Githinji also announced that the government will soon roll out a new empowerment program, Nyota, to replace KYEOP.
He urged the youth to take advantage of Nyota to acquire skills, access grants, and secure self-employment opportunities.
Shaban also echoed the concerns, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions in helping youth secure jobs.
Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO (LYC) director Ibrahim Shaban speaks during an empowerment program in Lunga-Lunga sub-county in March 2025.
“We need the government and private sector to step in with employment programs, skills training, and business support for young people,” he said.
He said that youth unemployment in Lunga-Lunga remains high due to young people failing to choose marketable courses and relying too much on white-collar jobs.
Shaban said that through the MOY project, they aim to educate and empower the youth by conducting awareness and linkage programs.
He said the move will largely assist in creating peace and national cohesion.
“Our commitment is to ensure that youth have access to the opportunities of their choice. By empowering them we empower the future generation and contribute to peace,” he said.
Beneficiary Juma Bakari said that the program has helped him, and other young people steer clear of drugs and violence, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
Another beneficiary, Asha Hassan, said the MOY program has broadened their awareness of various job opportunities and provided guidance on accessing loans to start their own businesses.
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