Youths in the Coast region have been urged to seize government opportunities and exploit the available local resources to improve their livelihoods in the wake of burgeoning unemployment.
Speaking at the Swahilipot Hub during the launch of the US-KE Coast Chapter Association, the Association’s Coast regional lead, Khadija Abdalla, underscored the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, an issue she described as a “ticking time bomb” affecting not only Kenya but nations globally.
“I understand that there is that challenge. Unemployment is not a challenge that is happening in Coast or Kenya alone; it’s a global challenge,” said Ms Abadalla, urging youth to embrace entrepreneurship.
“We understand the gaps that come along from the government level to the public, but of course, I urge and implore my fellow young people to take advantage of the resources that are within their surroundings.”
She noted that entrepreneurship is the panacea of unemployment, albeit there are capital challenges, but that can be addressed through taking advantage of the various government funding.
“Unemployment challenges do exist, but let us not just sit down and whine. There are myriad opportunities available; let’s take charge and grasp them,” she challenged the youth.
Ms Abdalla commended the United States of America (USA) for its support in leadership, entrepreneurship, and arts programs through fellowships. She noted that the Coast Chapter of the US-KE Association aims to unify alumni, enhance collaboration, and track regional development.
“One of the major gaps that we saw is that once we come back from those programmes, everyone gets lost or people work in silos. That is why we do not have a comprehensive alumni database in the Coast,” she said.
Benson Abila, the President of the US-KE Alumni Association, thanked the United States of America for the exchange programmes that have fostered professional development and cultural exchange.
“The ties keep helping illuminate the impacts within our communities,” he said, adding that the Coast Chapter Association will connect alumni.
Amid the shifting in the USA’s foreign diplomacy, he encouraged the alumni to explore cooperation initiatives with the USA government to support community-led programmes.
“Some of our alumni may not be as proactive or may not tap into these opportunities, and that is why we are bringing together these associations so that there is lifelong connection between these alumni,” said Abila.
“They can reach out to their peers to discern the priorities of the US government and how young people in Kenya right now tap into these opportunities to keep improving our communities,” he added.
Twahir Zubeir, an architect and entrepreneur from Lamu County, described his experience in the U.S. through the Mandela Washington Fellowship as transformative. He highlighted the untapped potential among young Kenyans to generate income through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Kenneth Ambani, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs and a beneficiary of the American Film Showcase, urged alumni to share their knowledge and experiences with youth at the grassroots level.
He also praised the U.S. Embassy in Kenya for supporting the Mombasa International Film Festival, which he said has played a vital role in promoting creativity within the local film industry.
By Sadik Hassan
