The Department of Youth Development was established in January 2007 with an aim of spearheading the general empowerment of the youths in order to reduce risk factors and promote positive factors. The Department coordinates and mainstream youth issues in all aspects of national development as stipulated in the National Youth Policy.

The Department of youth development visualizes an innovative, creative and vibrant youth building a better Kenya. It strives to promote holistic development of the youth, to make them self-reliant, fully integrated and productive to the society.

In addition, we outline the issues and challenges affecting the Kenyan youth, and the subsequent interventions by the Department under the identified strategic themes: Youth and Employment; Youth Empowerment and Participation; Youth and ICT; Youth and Health; Youth Crime and Drugs; Youth and Environment; Youth and Gender; Youth and special Needs; Youth Leisure, Recreation, Community Service; Guidance and Consultancy Services and Youth Exchange Programmes

In this regard, the Department is focused in providing leadership, teamwork as well as a mobilization of resources to enhance implementation of youth development programmes.

In summary, the Department is founded on national aspirations as contained in the Vision 2030, Millennium Development Goals, the Kenya National Youth Policy 2007 and the Ministry’s Strategic Plan. Successful implementation of the Department’s programmes and activities is expected to improve efficiency in resource allocation, improve quality of life of young people, create opportunities for youth development and consequently empower the youth economically, socially and politically.