Youth-led solutions for an inclusive future

For over 22 years, YIKE has been at the forefront of youth empowerment in Kenya — building leaders, strengthening governance, and creating economic opportunities.

22+
Years of Impact

Serving Kenyan youth since 2003

18+
Programmes

Across governance, health, education, and economic empowerment

50,000+
Lives Touched

Direct beneficiaries across Kenya

15+
Partners

International and local organizations

“We envision a Kenya where young people are at the center of governance, economic progress, and community transformation — empowered to lead, innovate, and create lasting change.”

Who We Are

The Youth Initiative for Knowledge and Empowerment (YIKE) is a youth-led organization founded in 2002. We work across Kenya to strengthen youth participation in governance and create economic opportunities for young people.

Through our programmes in leadership development, governance strengthening, and economic empowerment, we have directly reached over 50,000 young Kenyans across 30+ counties. Our approach is rooted in the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the change-makers of today.

What We Do

Two pillars driving youth impact

Leadership & Governance

We strengthen democratic governance by building the capacity of young people to participate in political processes, hold leaders accountable, and shape policies that affect their lives. From election observation to county budget tracking, we equip youth with tools for meaningful civic engagement.

  • Civic education & voter registration
  • Election monitoring & observation
  • Youth governance & policy advocacy
  • Women in leadership programmes
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Economic Empowerment

We create pathways to economic opportunity for young Kenyans through enterprise development, digital skills training, and access to finance. We believe economic independence is the foundation for meaningful youth participation in society.

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Our Programmes

Driving change across Kenya

Our programmes span governance strengthening and economic empowerment, reaching young people in over 30 counties.

Governance

Training & Research Program

Long-term capacity-building program strengthening youth leadership while addressing GBV prevention, SRHR, digital literacy, peacebuilding, and economic empowerment.

Informal settlements of Nairobi
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Economic Empowerment

Digital Literacy Program

Market-oriented digital skills training for youth from informal settlements, equipping them with ICT, entrepreneurship, and life skills.

Nairobi's informal settlements
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Economic Empowerment

Youth Desk Programme

A project linking youth groups to financiers, providing revolving funds and credit to graduates of YIKE's capacity building programme.

Nairobi County
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Governance

FLANA (Usawa Agenda)

National research partnership conducting Foundational Learning and Numeracy Assessment across schools and communities.

Nairobi County
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YIKE gave me the tools and confidence to participate in governance. Today, I serve as a youth representative in my county assembly, advocating for policies that affect young people.

Mary WanjikuProgramme Alumna, Women in Governance

Our Partners

Working together for impact

Red Rooster Foundation
Nairobits Trust
Hope Worldwide
Islamic Relief Kenya
PeaceNet Kenya
Amani Kibera

Be Part of the Change

Join YIKE in empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers across Kenya. Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future.