Youth Perspectives on Their Empowerment in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Kenya

Abstract

Africa has long been known for its abundant mineral and agricultural resources and beautiful wildlife. Currently, this enigmatic region is also being recognized for its abundance in human resources and is being defined as the youngest continent due to its high proportion of young people. Young people are the backbone on which every successful nation has been built. Unfortunately African nations have yet to recognize the treasure they have in their youth and strategize how to tap into this profuse resource. Only by strategizing how effectively to utilize young people’s vitality, skills, creativity, and potential, can African nations hope to attain significant economic, social and even political progress. Regrettably, African youth have not only been largely marginalized with regard to proficiencies required for physical and social mobility, but are excluded from the decision making process that affects their wellbeing and that of their communities. The need to understand how young people in sub-Saharan Africa can be empowered to contribute in national development efforts has never been more pressing. This study was thus set with the purpose of exploring youth perspectives on their empowerment in Kenya.................................