Nairobi: The National Youth Council of Kenya (NYC), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and its Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI), has initiated a training programme aimed at equipping young people with essential leadership and peacebuilding skills. The programme, which began on June 23, 2025, is designed to train 35 participants from Kenya and Uganda over a five-day period.
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch of this training in Nairobi was officiated by Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Mr. Fikirini Jacobs. He emphasized the importance of instilling a culture of peace among the youth as a foundation for development. Ms. Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development, underscored the influence that leadership entails and expressed optimism that the youth leaders involved would disseminate these skills to foster strengthened development across Kenya, Uganda, and the broader African continent.
Ms. Gloria Waweru, Acting CEO of the National Youth Council, highlighted the timeliness of the training, pointing out its focus on youth leadership and peace-building as critical components in Kenya's current context. Ms. Maina also addressed the constitutional right of young people to express themselves through picketing and protest, while lamenting the misuse of youth in conflicts.
Ms. Sylivia Abra Nutsukpui, Acting Director of the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute at KAIPTC, explained that Kenya was chosen for this training due to its robust consultation and research foundations in leadership and peacebuilding. She noted that in 2024, the organization engaged with various entities and youth from Kenya, Uganda, and other African countries to identify gaps in leadership and peacebuilding.
Ms. Nutsukpui further elaborated on the training's objective to bridge gaps at the intersection of peacebuilding and leadership. The program aims to foster connectivity, networking, and experience-sharing among the youth, enhancing their collective efforts toward a peaceful future for the continent.