The North Eastern Province of Kenya is known for low rates of employment and high illiteracy when compared to the rest of the country, and its young people are considered an at-risk population. The North Eastern Province of Kenya is known for low rates of employment and high illiteracy when compared to the rest of the country, and its young people are considered an at-risk population. Additionally, Al Shabaab has a history of youth recruitment in this region. The aim of the Garissa Youth (G-Youth) Project and the Yes Youth Can! North Eastern Region (YYC!) project was to engage youth in career development, livelihoods, and civic participation activities while empowering them to design and lead initiatives to improve their economic opportunities.

This report presents key findings and lessons learned from the Garissa Youth and Yes Youth Can! North Eastern Region projects. These EDC-led youth livelihood projects in the North Eastern Province of Kenya engaged youth in career development, livelihoods, and civic participation activities while empowering them to improve their economic opportunities. The report includes seven recommendations for projects working in conflict-susceptible regions to consider. EDC’s work in this region impacted 24,000 youth in the counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.