Mombasa youth get lifeline as charity organisation hands over tuk-tuks to jobless graduates

Mombasa-based charity Mission Relief Africa has issued tuk-tuks to 25 unemployed youth under a revolving fund programme aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and tackling rising joblessness. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, June 22, 2026

Mission Relief Africa initiative sees 25 young people in Mombasa receive tuk-tuks under a revolving fund programme aimed at tackling youth unemployment and boosting sustainable livelihoods.

Twenty-seven-year-old Ahmed Mbarak from Kisauni, Mombasa, has spent years moving from one casual job to another, often unsure whether he would earn enough to support his family.

This week, however, he left a public event with what he hopes will provide a more stable source of income — a tuk-tuk.

A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled motorised vehicle commonly used for public transport and short-distance travel. It provides an affordable means of transport for passengers and goods, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

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The initiative comes amid rising concerns over youth unemployment and the growing number of young people struggling to secure stable incomes.

For Ahmed Mahmoud from Mvita Sub-County, the opportunity represents a step toward financial independence after a long search for employment.

"Getting a job has been difficult. I have submitted applications in many places without success. This gives me a chance to earn my own income and support myself," she said.

Another beneficiary, Mustafa Bakari from Nyali Sub-County, said the tuk-tuk offered a fresh start after years of uncertainty.

"There were moments when I felt discouraged because I could not find regular work. I now have a chance to work for myself and provide for my children," he said.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mission Relief Africa Chairman Said Mabruk said the programme was designed in response to economic hardship facing many families and limited employment opportunities for young people.

Mabruk noted that while the organisation is widely known for humanitarian interventions — including food assistance, support for vulnerable families, orphan programmes, water projects and drought response initiatives — there was now a growing need to invest in long-term livelihood solutions.

He said the organisation had reached thousands of families through food distribution programmes, including Eid meat distribution exercises and emergency relief efforts in areas affected by drought and food shortages.

However, he stressed that sustainable income-generating opportunities were essential in helping families move beyond dependence on aid.

"The challenge facing many young people today is not a lack of willingness to work but a lack of opportunities and resources. We have seen many young people complete school or training but remain unemployed for years. Programmes such as this are intended to provide practical opportunities for them to earn a living and support their families," he said.

He added that the tuk-tuks were issued under a revolving fund arrangement designed to ensure more beneficiaries could access similar opportunities in the future.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor welcomed the initiative, describing the tuk-tuk transport sector as one of the county’s most significant sources of employment.

"The tuk-tuk industry is the second-largest employer in Mombasa after the Kenya Ports Authority. Thousands of families depend on this sector for their livelihoods. Initiatives that bring more young people into this industry create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth," said Mohammed.

The county commissioner added that creating opportunities for young people was essential in addressing unemployment and reducing the social challenges often associated with economic hardship.

The handover ceremony was attended by national and county government officials, security representatives, community leaders and development partners.