How National Youth Council is positioning itself as a job’s connector for youths

National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawira speaking during the Sema na Spox – Bonga na Gava / HANDOUT

The National Youth Council (NYC) is repositioning itself as a key bridge between young people and employment opportunities, as it steps up efforts to tackle youth unemployment across the country.

National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawira said the council is shifting from a largely representative body to a more active facilitator of access to jobs, skills and funding.

“We are deliberately positioning the council as a connector. Many young people are not lacking opportunities, but they lack information on where to find them and how to access them. Our role is to bridge that gap by linking youth to platforms that offer employment, whether locally or internationally," she said.

Speaking during Sema na Spox – Bonga na Gava, Wawira said that Central to the strategy is the Kazi Majuu programme, a government initiative that connects Kenyan youth to employment opportunities abroad.

Wawira said the council is actively helping young people navigate the programme, which has often been out of reach due to limited awareness and guidance.

“Programmes like Kazi Majuu exist, but many young people do not know how to apply or where to begin. We are stepping in to simplify that process and guide them through it. This includes using our outreach platforms to ensure that information reaches even those at the grassroots level.”

To further close the information gap, the council has introduced the Youth Passport, a compact resource designed to aggregate opportunities in one place. The document provides quick access to information on funding, skills development and employment openings.

“The Youth Passport is essentially a one-stop reference point. Instead of young people searching across multiple platforms, they can find verified opportunities in a simplified format. It is practical, easy to carry, and tailored to ensure that no young person is left out due to lack of information,” she said.

The council operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and draws its mandate from Article 55 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which requires the State to take measures ensuring youth participation in economic, social and political life.

While traditionally focused on representation, Wawira said the NYC is now leaning into economic empowerment as a core pillar of its work.

“We cannot talk about meaningful youth participation without addressing livelihoods. Employment is central to dignity, stability and inclusion. That is why we are aligning our programmes to ensure young people are not just heard but also economically empowered.”

The renewed focus comes as the council prepares for its 2026 elections, which are expected to revive grassroots structures and expand its reach across all wards in the country.

Wawira said the elections will strengthen the council’s ability to identify and respond to local employment needs, making it easier to match young people with opportunities that suit their skills and aspirations.

“Our structures will allow us to better understand what young people in different regions need. That way, we are not offering generic solutions, but targeted opportunities. In the end, the goal is simple: to ensure every young person has a clear pathway to economic opportunity,” she said.