Analysis of Youth Engagement in Economic Development Programs in Kenya: A Case of Kibera, Nairobi County.

Abstract

Kibera - an urban settlement in Nairobi, has many youth empowerment programs centred on livelihood and economic development. Within economic development programs, perceptions about the role of young people being engaged as recipients or beneficiaries of program interventions have created a cycle of systemic power dynamics between young people in Kibera and development program practitioners, which has also perpetuated dependency on aid. Meaningful youth engagement aims to foster collective decision-making, individual agency building, and national economic development by addressing young people's barriers and aspirations in any program intervention. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing meaningful youth engagement in economic development programs. Secondly, to examine the effectiveness of youth engagement approaches, and lastly to assess how youth engagement has impacted young people and their communities. In this study, modernization theory and dependency theory were used to understand power dynamics drivers within youth economic development programs. A descriptive research design approach was chosen to delve into the experiences and perceptions of young people engaged. Qualitative research was particularly effective at exploring young people's complex, nuanced realities and aspirations within their socio-economic context. The study revealed that gender and socio-economic background influence how young people engage in any program. It also found out that economic development practitioners often capitalize on Kibera young people's vulnerability in disengaging them. Last but not least, youth employability programs in the area have provided a pathway for young people to access skills and employment opportunities. The findings provided valuable insights for youth-focused development practitioners and organizations. This study recommended meaningful youth engagement strategies that have individual-level and community-level impacts. Overall, it also contributed to developing more equitable and inclusive youth engagement interventions in economic development programs