From “At-Risk” to “Aspiring” Youth:Locating Positive Youth Development in Kenya

The youth population bulge in Kenya comes with so many challenges such as poverty, gender inequalities, political inequities, the absence of adequate health and medical resources, low educational attainment, homelessness, increased involvement in violence, drugs, and alcohol, poor physical and mental health, a lack of key life skills, premature sexual involvement. Using inductive or “bottom up” thematic analysis, we explored experiences of the youth aged 18-34 (n=36), youth workers (n=26) and administrators of youth programs (n=22) on existing youth development programs and their alignment to the positive youth development principles. Six key findings from the study sufficed as follows: (1) the mismatch between education and job skills: a degree without skills and talent is meaningless; (2) promoting youth development through creative arts and talent development programs; (3) leveraging on entrepreneurship to curb socioeconomic barriers of the youth; (4) empowering youth: navigating reproductive and sexual health; (5) navigating psycho-social challenges and fostering youth empowerment; and (6)overcoming political tribalism and strengthening youth services. We illustrate existing PYD programs, their shortcomings and alignment to PYD. Implications for PYD research, policy and practice are discussed.