Who We Are

22+ years of youth-led transformation across Kenya — building a future where every young person can thrive.

Our Story

Rooted in Community, Driven by Youth

Youth Initiatives-Kenya (YIKE) is a youth-led, youth-serving NGO established in 2003 to empower marginalized youth, women, and children in Kenya. From our base in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, we have grown into a respected voice for inclusive development — strengthening the capacities of communities as agents of sustainable transformation.

Over two decades, YIKE has partnered with state and non-state actors to deliver programmes spanning governance and advocacy, economic empowerment and livelihoods, health initiatives, and capacity building. Our work is grounded in the belief that when young people lead, entire communities rise.

“When youth lead, communities thrive — and transformation becomes sustainable.”
YIKEFounding Principle

Milestones

2003

Founded in Nairobi

2008

First multi-county programme

2014

Expanded to 8 counties

2019

50,000+ lives impacted

2025

22+ years of transformation

50000+

Lives Impacted

Counties Reached

Purpose

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

A society with unlimited possibilities and transformative opportunities for youth, women and children.

Our Mission

To transform the lives of youth, women and children by engaging communities, state and non-state actors in sustainable socio-economic empowerment and livelihoods, health initiatives, capacity building, governance and advocacy.

What Guides Us

Our Values

These principles are the bedrock of our work — shaping every programme, partnership, and decision we make.

Youth Leadership

Young people are at the centre of everything we do — not as beneficiaries alone, but as leaders, decision-makers, and architects of change.

Inclusive Development

We champion equity across gender, ability, and geography, ensuring no community is left behind in Kenya's development journey.

Community Ownership

Lasting impact begins when communities drive their own transformation. We catalyse, support, and step aside.

Accountability & Transparency

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity — to the communities we serve, the partners who trust us, and our own mission.

Innovation

From digital platforms to grassroots organizing, we embrace creative approaches that multiply impact and amplify youth voices.

The People

Our Team

A dedicated team turning vision into action across Kenya.

Leadership

Pamela

Executive Director

Driving YIKE's vision of youth-led solutions for an inclusive future.

Mille

Programme Director

Overseeing programme design, implementation, and impact measurement across all thematic areas.

Alphones

Programme Coordinator

Coordinating programme activities and community engagement.

Anthony

Finance & Administration

Ensuring accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

Esther

Communications & Outreach

Managing YIKE's communications, partnerships, and public engagement.

Board of Directors

James

Board Chair

Leading YIKE's strategic governance and oversight since its founding.

Victor

Board Member

Contributing to YIKE's mission through strategic guidance and expertise.

Mwotia

Board Member

Supporting youth-led development initiatives across Kenya.

Get Involved

Ready to Build the Future With Us?

Whether you want to partner, volunteer, or support our programmes, there is a place for you at YIKE. Let us create lasting change — together.