The Jijenge Youth Empowerment Initiative (JYEI) is a flagship program of Save A Youth Africa (SAYA), designed to equip young people and women in Meru County with the skills and tools they need to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship. Funded by USAID/YALI, this initiative aims to provide hands-on training, digital skills, and life skills to prepare participants for business startups and economic independence.

The Need for Youth Empowerment
Youth unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges in Kenya, with nearly 39% of young people unable to secure jobs. The situation is even more dire for women, many of whom lack the skills and resources needed to enter the workforce or start their businesses. This high rate of unemployment leads to poverty, social unrest, and crime, especially in regions like Meru County.

Program Objectives
The primary goal of JYEI is to reduce youth unemployment by providing practical skills that can lead to self-employment. The program focuses on:

• Sensitizing youth and women on the opportunities available through digital entrepreneurship.
• On-the-job training (OJT) where participants can develop hands-on skills in areas like digital marketing, e-commerce, and business management.
• Distributing startup kits to qualified participants, giving them the tools they need to launch their businesses.

Community Impact
Since its inception, the JYEI program has reached hundreds of young people in Meru County. The initiative focuses on practical solutions, providing participants with the knowledge and resources to create their job opportunities. By partnering with local businesses and government agencies, SAYA ensures that these young entrepreneurs have access to the networks and funding needed to sustain their ventures.

Success Stories
One of the participants, Jane, a 23-year-old woman from Meru, was able to start her online retail business after completing the program. She attributes her success to the digital skills she acquired through JYEI, which enabled her to reach a broader market and grow her customer base. Jane’s business now provides employment for two other young women, demonstrating the program’s ripple effect on the local economy.

Call to Action
You can support the Jijenge Youth Empowerment Initiative by donating or volunteering as a mentor. Your contributions will help more young people like Jane create sustainable businesses and improve their communities. Together, we can make a difference.