Constraints Facing Youth Groups in their Endevour to Reduce Poverty ni Mathare Slums, Nairobi

Abstract

Kenya has a youthful population with 75% under thirty years. This calls for efforts to involve them in the development process. This study focused on the urban poor youth in Mathare Slum Nairobi. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine constraints faced by youth groups in their endeavor to reduce poverty in Mathare slum; determine lessons learned from group activities that may inform policymakers and other stakeholders; and make recommendations on how the youth through youth groups can be brought more effectively into mainstream developmental programs. The survey was carried out using both qualitative and quantitative tools of data collection. Findings reveal that youth groups face internal and external problems. Internal problems take the form of poor leadership, lack of resources, and laxity among members while external problems are police harassment, lack of community support, and interference by politicians. In the key informant interviews and focus group discussions, agencies working with groups such as the government, NGOs, churches, and community members were called upon to help groups solve their problems. The study recommends the need for a clear youth policy framework covering all areas of youth development interests. Counseling services must be provided to youth. Nevertheless, girls should be accorded special attention and encouraged to participate in youth group activities. In addition, national sports bodies should make a point of helping youth groups while Nairobi City Council should extend the provision of services to slums.