Creating a Clean, Empowered, and Health-Conscious Generation: KYF at the Heart of Youth Empowerment in Kenya

In a world that is constantly evolving,one thing remains true, “the future belongs to the empowered.” For Kenya Youth Federation (KYF), empowerment is not just a slogan; it is a mission that runs deep through every partnership, program, and young life touched across the country.

This vision came to life in a powerful way during the Women Mentorship and Empowerment Event, themed “Youth and Women Empowerment to Transform the Nation,” held at Kariobangi Baptist Centre. The event was a joint effort between KYF, Team Environment Kenya, Women of Impact, Could You Cup, and Convoy of Hope International.

KYF continues to champion youth empowerment through initiatives that combine health, education, environmental awareness, and economic development. The Kariobangi event proved that true empowerment is holistic. It is not just about leadership or education, it is also about how our health, surroundings, and economic opportunities shape the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow.

One of the key messages shared was that without good hygiene, we cannot nurture a clear-thinking society, and without a clean environment, we cannot have safe, inclusive spaces for growth and dialogue. This message was delivered through an environmental awareness session, where youth were educated on the link between a healthy environment and mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In partnership with environmentalists, KYF helped young people see that their surroundings play a critical role in their personal and communal growth.

The event also focused heavily on menstrual health and reproductive education. In a country where conversations around menstrual health are still a taboo for many, KYF and its partners broke the silence by introducing the use of menstrual cups through the Could You Cup initiative. This lifelong menstrual health solution was received with appreciation, especially by young girls who often struggle with access to proper menstrual hygiene products. The distribution of menstrual cups was more than just an act of giving; it was a step toward restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating awareness.

Alongside these health-focused activities were sessions on life skills, financial literacy, and hands-on training in handcrafting wigs, necklaces, and bracelets. These activities were not just for fun, they were part of KYF’s ongoing effort to ensure that every young person, especially girls and young mothers, has access to skills that can lead to self-reliance and economic independence. Participants were encouraged to view these crafts not only as hobbies but as income-generating opportunities that can help lift them and their families out of poverty.