At last year’s COP, one of the most striking highlights was the large number of youth present, asking hard questions and holding leaders accountable. This is not new; young people have always challenged the status quo.
Unfortunately, many continue to do so without the resources, mentorship, or support they deserve. As a result, the world is missing out on a golden opportunity to collaborate with them. We need to move from seeing youth as beneficiaries to recognising them as true partners in achieving the SDGs.
Authentic mentorship is key—long-term guidance that builds capacity and expands opportunities. Equally important is giving youth a seat at the decision-making table, not just in side events. Moreover, trust and investment in youthful innovation must go beyond ideas and include actual budgets.
At the Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations, we are supporting youth across the country to scale their work. For instance, we worked with the Umoja Mazeras Baraka Juu Self-Help Group in Taita Taveta County to provide an electric carwash machine, replacing their unreliable diesel-powered one.
This has increased their revenue and efficiency. Similarly, in Nairobi, we partnered with Mwengenye Youth CBO by equipping them with an organic waste shredder and dryer. The innovation cut their composting time by 50% and tripled the amount of organic waste processed monthly.
In addition, through the Safaricom Foundation’s Wezesha Vijana TVET scholarship program, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, we continue to empower vulnerable youth with skills and opportunities to secure sustainable employment.
The youth are already living the SDGs daily. Supporting and scaling their efforts ensures that this year’s International Youth Day theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, is not just celebrated but realized.
So, on this International Youth Day, what role are you, as a field expert or corporate leader, playing to enable local youth action? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Karen Khayanje Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and M-PESA Foundation
