Despite Kenya’s economic growth and development over the past decade, youth employment levels remain considerably high, around 35%, both in rural and urban areas. In a country where high population levels exceed economic opportunities, and education and skill levels continue to be relatively low, youth are among the most vulnerable to economic marginalization.

Uzima Foundation is one organization in Kenya working to address the challenges and realities of youth unemployment. Their unique holistic approach blends life skill courses and training, including topics such as reproductive health; HIV/AIDS awareness, peace, justice and leadership, with economic empowerment, including business development services, vocational training mentoring, micro-entrepreneurship, and access to credit. Uzima strives to imbue its youth participants with the self-confidence and determination to discuss problems and challenges they face and develop viable solutions in order to improve both their own lives and those of their families and communities.

Uzima has reached out to more than 18,000 Kenyan youth, has provided 116 youth with entrepreneurship training, disbursed over $US 7,000 in loans to 68 participants of their Youth Enterprise Program (YEP), and has maintained a 100% retention rate of their program participants.

To support Uzima’s mission and goals to empower Kenyan youth and improve their well being and that of their community, the IFC’s Grassroots Business Initiative is providing funds and assistance for the following activities:

• Mentor Training Program and Training of Trainers Program
• Access to micro-credit in partnership Kenya Women Finance Trust Bank
• Internal management information systems
• Media and marketing strategy
• Fiduciary reports
• Business plan development