How youth empowerment initiative is transforming lives in Kwale

Over 100 youth from Kwale County have been equipped with vocational skills through a program dubbed "Shared Future."

Spearheaded by Samba Sports Youth Agenda, this initiative seeks to empower youth by providing them with technical training, thereby offering sustainable livelihoods and protecting them from negative influences that often lead to criminal activities.

Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice over the phone, Samba Sports Director Ali Mwachausa noted the transformative nature of the initiative, aimed at steering youth away from maskanis (local meeting points) at the Coast where youth meet to socialize and are often initiated into crime and substance abuse.

"We want to make our youth productive and protect them from falling victim to people with bad intentions. It is the youth from maskanis who are mostly used to cause chaos due to their vulnerability. They are given Sh500 to cause chaos, but if they have a source of income, it becomes hard to manipulate them," Ali said.

Shilling Tabwara from Msambweni Bomani, a beneficiary who now works as a make-up artist. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Ali Halifan, a resident of Vuga, Matuga Sub-county, recalls his past, spending it idling away in maskanis. "Before opening my barber shop, I would spend the whole day at maskanis talking about girls, football, and planning street fights. We would cause chaos every time the football team we support was defeated. Sometimes we would just harass people for fun," he recalled.

Ali expressed his gratitude for the training he received. "I have witnessed my peers getting initiated into substance abuse and even crime. I thank God I left before things got out of hand," he told the Eastleigh Voice. The barber training he received through Shared Future has enabled him to pay his bills and support his family.

Shilingi Tabwara from Bomani, Msambweni Sub-county, echoes a similar sentiment. She underwent training in makeup application and now owns a salon where she not only provides makeup services but also mentors other young people in the community.

"Life without income is tough for young women," Shilingi said, pointing out the dire choices some make due to financial constraints.

"Before the training, we would spend our days gossiping about boys and sharing misguided advice at the maskani. Now, I realize how we were wasting our potential," she reflected.

Ali Halifan from Vuga Matuga Sub-county who works as a barber after training by shared future. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Amina Hamisi, now a trained tailor, shares her story of transformation. "I used to be moody and frustrated, but since I started working as a tailor, my stress has reduced, and I feel focused on building a better future," she said. Amina's experience highlights the broader impact of the Shared Future initiative in nurturing positive contributions to society among Kwale's youth.

Mwachausa emphasizes the critical role of economic empowerment in safeguarding youth from exploitation and manipulation.

"Lack of income makes youth vulnerable to negative influences. We saw during recent protests how unemployed youth were manipulated into causing chaos. Our program aims to prevent such exploitation," he stated.

The initiative spans all four sub-counties of Kwale County and has completed its first cohort, with preparations underway for the second group. Local voices continue to praise the initiative for its tangible impact on reducing crime rates and enhancing community cohesion.

The transformation from idle maskani gatherings to productive livelihoods is not just a personal achievement for these individuals but a beacon of hope for the entire community.