By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Coalition on Youth Peace and Security (KCYPS) is spearheading a collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive national policy focused on youth peace and security.
Co-chaired by Felix Oruwaka and Christine, the coalition is bringing together youth organizations, government agencies, and civil society actors to co-create solutions that directly address the needs of young people in Kenya.
The coalition focuses its efforts on five key pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and disengagement and reintegration.
These pillars form the foundation of the proposed National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security, which aims to empower young people, protect their rights, and integrate them into meaningful roles in society.
“We believe in the power of young people at the grassroots level,” said Felix Oruwaka, co-chair of KCYPS. “Our focus is on understanding the positive aspects of young people and harnessing their energy for growth and development. We want to create spaces where young people are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives.”
The coalition’s approach is innovative and inclusive. KCYPS engages both government and civil society actors to ensure that young people’s voices are heard at every stage of the policy-making process.
This collaborative model addresses critical issues such as unemployment, protection from violence, and the reintegration of young people involved in conflict or criminal activities.
Oruwaka emphasized, “We are co-creating with the government to ensure that young people design the programs, not just that they are designed for them. This ownership is crucial for the success of any initiative aimed at youth development.”
The coalition has set a five-year timeline for the implementation of the National Action Plan, with a review process to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.
The Ministry of Youth, which has a dedicated budget for youth programs, is a key partner in this initiative.
Additionally, KCYPS is working with international donors and development partners to secure funding and resources for the plan.
One of the coalition’s primary goals is to create a peaceful environment that fosters economic growth and innovation, particularly in the creative economy.
“If you’re selling mandazis on the street, you need peace to run your business,” Oruwaka explained. “We want to build an ecosystem that supports young entrepreneurs and ensures their safety and security.”
The coalition is also leveraging modern technology, including AI tools, to gather input from young people across the country.
Online platforms engage youth from rural and urban areas and ensure that their perspectives are included in the policy-making process.
The involvement of members of parliament and other stakeholders is critical to the success of the initiative. “For any program or policy to see the light of day in Kenya, you need the support of parliament,” Oruwaka noted.
“We are working to ensure that this process is inclusive and that all stakeholders, including MPs, are on board.”The KCYPS initiative is part of a broader global movement to advance youth peace and security.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, adopted in 2015, provides a framework for countries to develop national action plans that prioritize the role of young people in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Kenya’s National Action Plan will be the seventh such plan in Africa, joining six other countries that have already implemented similar strategies.
As the coalition moves forward, its leaders are calling on young people and their partners to actively participate in the process. “This is a rallying call for all stakeholders to work together to develop a national action plan that truly reflects the aspirations of young people in Kenya,” Oruwaka said.
“We are setting the pace for the next elections and beyond, ensuring that young people are at the center of our nation’s development.”
With its innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity, the Kenya Coalition on Youth Peace and Security is paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.
By addressing the root causes of conflict and empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their communities, the coalition is demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration and shared vision.
Read More Stories At : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
