What We Do

Five strategic objectives. One mission. A generation empowered to lead, earn, and transform their communities.

YIKE works at the intersection of governance, economic empowerment, health, institutional capacity, and child protection, ensuring young people and women have a voice, opportunities, and the support they need to thrive.

Since 2003, we have equipped over 1.1M young Kenyans with the tools, platforms, and confidence to participate in democracy and build sustainable livelihoods. Our approach is community-rooted, youth-led, and evidence-driven.

Youth discussion circle for governance participation

Strategic Objective 1

Inclusive Youth and Women Participation in Governance

YIKE promotes meaningful and inclusive participation of youth and women in governance and decision-making at all levels. We strengthen civic engagement, leadership, and policy participation by supporting involvement in public forums, advocacy, and electoral and policy processes. Our approach advances accountable and transparent governance while addressing power dynamics and barriers that limit youth and women's voices.

Civic engagement & leadership development

Public forums & policy advocacy

Electoral process participation

Accountable & transparent governance

Youth worker in YIKE green jobs programme

Strategic Objective 2

Socio-Economic Empowerment and Resilience

YIKE advances the socio-economic empowerment of youth and women by expanding access to sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, micro-franchising, business incubation, digital and ICT skills, and inclusive financing. Our programs promote green and climate-smart solutions such as sustainable agribusiness, circular economy practices, and renewable energy innovation. We also generate and share evidence and research to inform policy, advocacy, and scalable models for inclusive and resilient economic growth.

Entrepreneurship & business incubation

Digital & ICT skills training

Green & climate-smart solutions

Evidence-based policy advocacy

Community health outreach station serving youth

Strategic Objective 3

Integrated Health, Mental Health & Protection Services

YIKE strengthens the well-being of youth and women by improving access to integrated health, mental health, psychosocial, and protection services. We promote holistic support systems that enable youth and women to fully participate in education, livelihoods, and community life. Our approach includes strong referral pathways, service linkages, and active engagement of caregivers and communities to ensure sustainable and responsive support.

Integrated health & MHPSS services

Holistic support systems

Strong referral pathways

Caregiver & community engagement

Outdoor capacity building training session

Strategic Objective 4

Institutional Capacity of Youth- and Women-Led Organizations

YIKE strengthens the institutional capacity of youth- and women-led organizations to sustainably design and deliver development programs. We invest in strong governance systems, skilled leadership and staff, and effective organizational structures. Our approach also prioritizes resource mobilization and sustainable financing to ensure long-term impact and accountability.

Governance systems & structures

Leadership & staff development

Resource mobilization

Sustainable financing models

Children in education and protection programme

Strategic Objective 5

Community, School & Caregiver Systems for Child Protection

YIKE strengthens community, school, and caregiver systems to better prevent and respond to child protection risks. We support vulnerable children, especially those at risk of dropping out of school, to access education through scholarships and targeted support. Our approach mobilizes families, schools, and community partners to create safer and more protective environments for children.

Child protection risk prevention

Scholarships & education access

Family & school mobilization

Safer community environments