The Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom maintained that Youth Action for SDGs is central in shaping Kenya’s development agenda because at the heart of innovation, accountability, and community transformation are the young people.
The director reflected that, having worked for nearly two decades with young people, they are “fearless, creative, and solution-driven” in an opinion shared during International Youth Day, stressing that Youth Action for SDGs is already visible in health promotion, waste management, and community-based innovation across the country.
Young Innovators Driving Real Change: Youth Action for the SDGs
He further noted that Youth Action for SDGs is not just a slogan but a lived reality, with young people taking bold steps to address everyday challenges.
From leveraging digital skills to improve public health, youth-led groups continue to show just how sustainability is being adopted in daily life.
She, however, warned that the efforts of the youth alone cannot offset the global shortfall in accomplishing the SDGs.
In 2024, only 17% of the global targets are on track according to the UN’s SDG assessment, and more than a third have stagnated or regressed-a pressing reminder to the world of how little time is left before 2030.
She focused on how, during last year’s COP, the youth dominated several discussions, without fear of questioning leaders and holding governments to task-another strong indication of rising Youth Action for SDGs.
On that note, she regretted that many young people still lack the resources, support, and mentorship to maximize their impact.
Safaricom Initiatives Supporting Youth Action for SDGs
The article outlined the investments that Safaricom has made to fortify Youth Action for SDGs throughout Kenya.
The Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation supported the Umoja Mazeras Baraka Juu Self-help Group in Taita Taveta County with an electric carwash machine. The upgrade enabled the group to increase revenue by eliminating the downtimes associated with diesel-powered machines.
In Nairobi County, the Mwengenye Youth CBO received an organic waste shredder and waste dryer, which reduced the period of composting by 50% and tripled their monthly waste-processing capacity-from 300kg to 900kg.
The Director also emphasized the Wezesha Vijana TVET Scholarship Program, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, to empower vulnerable youth with relevant technical skills and link them to sustainable employment opportunities.
These initiatives represent concrete steps toward scaling Youth Action for SDGs at the community level.
A Call to Strengthen Youth Action for SDGs
The director highlighted that the world needs to shift from conceptualizing young people as beneficiaries to embracing them as key strategic partners in delivering the SDGs.
Results from YASDGS can be further achieved by providing real mentorship, opening decision-making spaces, and investing in youth-led innovation.
She concluded by asking stakeholders to reflect on their own contributions this International Youth Day:
“What are you doing to enable local youth action?”
