Representatives from National Youth Council of Kenya, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute during the launch of youth in leadership and peacebuilding training in Nairobi/HANDOUTA pivotal training course in youth leadership and peacebuilding has officially been launched at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
The training marks a significant step forward in regional efforts to involve young people in the peace and security agenda.
Organised by the National Youth Council of Kenya (NYC) in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI), the five-day training (June 23–27) has brought together 35 youth participants from across Kenya and Uganda.
The initiative is part of a broader commitment to inclusive governance and regional integration.
The course was officially launched by the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Jacobs Fikirini, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering youth leadership in peacebuilding processes.
“This course aligns with our broader national efforts to develop Kenya’s first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2250,” said Maina.
She emphasised that the Ministry of Youth Affairs remains committed to supporting NYC’s initiatives and creating platforms where youth can actively contribute to governance and peace efforts.
Also present at the event were technical representatives from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—both recognized for their instrumental role in promoting youth-centric peace frameworks within the region.
Gloria Wawira, Acting CEO of the National Youth Council, welcomed the delegates and expressed optimism about the impact of the training.
“The National Youth Council is honoured to host this important training. Young people must be seen and empowered as co-creators of peace, not merely recipients of it,” she said, highlighting the significance of cross-border youth collaborations in peacebuilding.
Echoing this sentiment, Sylvia Horname Noagbesenu, Acting Director of WYPSI and a representative of KAIPTC’s Commandant, underscored the value of such training programs in uniting African youth for a common purpose.
“This course represents a deliberate effort to strengthen youth networks, knowledge, and leadership in peacebuilding across Africa. We commend the National Youth Council for its foresight and the Government of Kenya for offering support,” she stated.
