Youth Empowerment in Kenya: A Policy Science Analysis of Government Values and Priorities

Abstract

Sound decision-making, implementation and evaluation abilities are attributes that define high performing organizations and even governments.1 The need and drive to perform are more crucial within newly formed departments, especially those dealing with an ever-present issue. Such was the case at the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs (MSYA) in Kenya, created in December 2005, and given the mandate to attend to youth issues and concerns. Soon after, MSYA designed and developed the Kenya National Youth Policy (KNYP) with the goal of mainstreaming and coordinating youth programs in the country. Like other policies, the KNYP provided a formal blueprint to notify concerned employees and offer them the necessary direction to make proper decisions for the public good while guiding behaviors to align with the strategic intent, values, and norms as defined by MSYA and the central government. Besides the sheer number of young people, the KNYP identified the following youth challenges: unemployment and underemployment, health issues, dropping out of school and college, crime and deviance, limited sports and recreation facilities, abuse and exploitation, limited participation and lack of opportunities in decisionmaking