Who We Are

Over 22 years of youth-led transformation across Kenya — building a future where every child and every young woman and man can thrive

Our Story

Rooted in Community, Driven by Youth

Youth Initiatives-Kenya (YIKE) is a youth-led, youth-serving NGO established in 2003 to empower marginalized youth, women, and children in Kenya. From our base in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, we have grown into a respected voice for inclusive development — strengthening the capacities of communities as agents of sustainable transformation.

Over two decades, YIKE has partnered with state and non-state actors to deliver programmes spanning governance and advocacy, economic empowerment and livelihoods, health initiatives, and capacity building. Our work is grounded in the belief that when young people lead, entire communities rise.

“When youth lead, communities thrive — and transformation becomes sustainable.”
YIKEFounding Principle

Milestones

2003

Founded following evidence-based community research

2007

YIKE organised its first Global event, the World Social Forum

2008

Expanded operations to four counties: Meru, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kakamega

2018

Scaled to 30 counties through Youth Bunge partnerships

2024

Secured a permanent youth and community centre

2025

YIKE hits 1.1M+ beneficiaries

Purpose

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

A society with unlimited possibilities and transformative opportunities for youth, women and children.

Our Mission

To transform the lives of youth, women and children by engaging communities, state and non-state actors in sustainable socio-economic empowerment and livelihoods, health initiatives, capacity building, governance and advocacy.

What Guides Us

Our Values

These principles are the bedrock of our work — shaping every programme, partnership, and decision we make.

Youth Leadership

Young people are at the centre of everything we do — not as beneficiaries alone, but as leaders, decision-makers, and architects of change.

Inclusive Development

We champion equity across gender, ability, and geography, ensuring no community is left behind in Kenya's development journey.

Community Ownership

Lasting impact begins when communities drive their own transformation. We catalyse, support, and step aside.

Accountability & Transparency

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity — to the communities we serve, the partners who trust us, and our own mission.

Innovation

From digital platforms to grassroots organizing, we embrace creative approaches that multiply impact and amplify youth voices.