BY SHABAN OMAR
The Kujenga Amani (Peacebuilding) Project Coordinator in Kwale County, Fred Odera, has called on young people to maintain peace and actively participate in various development initiatives aimed at bringing about positive change in their communities.
Speaking after attending an entrepreneurship training session for more than 50 youth in Lunga-Lunga Sub-county, Odera said that young people hold a unique position in society and can become powerful agents of change if they seize opportunities and take part in projects tailored for their empowerment.
The training was organized by the Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, with support from the peacebuilding program through We World.
It aimed to equip young people with skills to start and sustain their own businesses, create employment, and reduce dependency on aid.
Odera urged the youth not to be discouraged by the economic and social hardships they face, but rather to leverage the available platforms to uplift themselves and their communities.
WeWorld, Kujenga Amani project Coordinator Fred Odera speaks to youth in Lunga-Lunga sub-county, Kwale CountyÂ
He pointed out that development and peace go hand in hand, and that without stability, no meaningful progress can be achieved.
“We understand that our country is facing so many challenges and what young people go through, but turning to violence or despair is not a solution. We are urging you to stay focused, keep the peace, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You are the engine of change that our communities need,” said Odera.
He further noted that the government and its partners are committed to creating a conducive environment for youth empowerment, and encouraged the participants to spread the message of peace and productivity to their peers across the county.
Odera said programs such as Kujenga Amani are not only designed to foster peace, but also to empower and equip young people with essential business management skills, and link them to financial resources such as loans and grants that can help improve their livelihoods.
He noted that such initiatives offer a golden opportunity for youth to break free from the cycle of financial hardship and redirect their energy toward building peaceful communities and a thriving local economy.
“These programs go beyond just talking about peace. They give young people the tools to take control of their future. With the right skills and access to financial support, youth can become job creators and peace ambassadors in their neighborhoods,” Odera said.
The Kujenga Amani Project is a dynamic peacebuilding initiative along the Swahili Coast that seeks to empower and mobilize youth in coastal regions of Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania to become frontline champions of peace and dialogue.
The project aims to transform young people from passive observers into active drivers of change by equipping them with the tools, skills, and platforms necessary to lead community-based peace efforts, resolve conflicts, and promote social cohesion across borders.
Odera further expressed his satisfaction with the growing number of young people who are embracing the Kujenga Amani peacebuilding project and actively committing to positive change.
A section of youth attends an empowerment forum at Lunga-Lunga town in Kwale County.
He said the increasing youth participation is a clear indication that young people are ready to take charge of their future by promoting peace, rejecting violence, and becoming part of the solution to the challenges facing their communities.
Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO Programs Manager, Janice Mbingu, noted that through the Kujenga Amani program, a significant number of young people have already received support and have been successfully linked to various government empowerment initiatives.
She added that some have even secured start-up capital to launch income-generating ventures.
Mbingu said that there are countless opportunities available for youth, but what is needed most is commitment, focus, and the will to take initiative.
“Youth must realize that the resources and support structures are there, it’s up to them to step forward, take action, and make the most of these opportunities. With the right mindset, they can transform not only their lives but also their communities,” she said..
Mbingu said more empowerment sessions are being conducted for youth and exposing them to various opportunities.
She warned young people against idleness and the habit of constantly lamenting about unemployment, pointing out that numerous resources and opportunities are right at their doorstep.
Mbingu stressed that today’s youth have no valid excuse to resort to crime or drug abuse, especially when life-changing programs and support systems are readily available to help them build better futures.
Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO Programs Manager, Janice Mbingu speaks in an interview at Lunga-Lunga town in Kwale County.
“You cannot sit back and complain while doing nothing. The tools for success are within reach, what’s needed is the courage to act. Crime and drugs are not solutions,” she said.
A youth participant, Peter Francis, urged his fellow young people to respond positively to calls for empowerment forums and development programs, emphasizing that such initiatives are meant for their own benefit.
He expressed concern over the growing trend where many youth choose to skip important meetings and training sessions simply because they are not offered allowances.
“It’s disappointing to see some of us ignoring opportunities that could change our lives just because there’s no immediate financial gain,” he said.
Another youth, Neema Nuru, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that true empowerment is not about receiving handouts, but about acquiring knowledge, skills, and networks that can unlock long-term opportunities.
She urged young people to shift their focus from short-term financial gains and instead invest their time and energy in building a solid foundation for their future and for the generations that will come after them.
“Youth must start thinking beyond today. The choices we make now will shape not only our lives but also the lives of those who come after us. Empowerment is a journey of growth, not a quick fix,” she said.
