In February 2020, USAID/Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) commissioned the USAID YouthPower Learning team to conduct a cross-sectoral youth assessment (CSYA). The CSYA uses a Positive Youth Development (PYD) lens to capture the challenges and opportunities facing Kenyan youth, focusing on those 15–34 years and reporting on younger adolescents (10–14 years) where feasible.
The assessment identifies opportunities to optimally support youth and guide USAID/KEA toward a strategic engagement with youth as: a) beneficiaries and participants of sustainable, Kenyan-owned development solutions that can be brought to scale over time, and b) key actors empowered to identify and prioritize challenges and propose local- and youth-based innovative solutions.
The findings and recommendations outlined here are based on 1) desk review findings of more than 100 sources; 2) 18 focus-group discussions with 130 youth; 3) key informant interviews with six youth role models, three adults who champion youth, and nine youth-focused stakeholders including businesses, program leaders, NGOs, and donors; 4) six SMS surveys with youth; 5) analysis of social media with thousands of youth, and 6) five youth-led Design Thinking sessions with 41 youth.
In addition, the companion booklet titled, "The Future is Ours: Kenya Assessment Youth Resource Companion," provides a mix of entertainment, information, inspiration, and guidance to launch and sustain peer and community discussions. These conversations help young people transition from surviving to thriving, support youth from needing help and protection to contributing to the improvement of their communities, and supporting the next generation of young Kenyans.