By Tony Wafula
In a major step towards addressing youth unemployment, the US-Kenya Alumni Association has launched its Western chapter in Kakamega, aiming to link young people to global opportunities through networking and exchange programs.
The Saturday event brought together alumni of various US-sponsored programs, government officials and youth leaders, all rallying behind the initiative’s mission to empower and mentor the next generation.
Speaking during the launch of the association, Bungoma Deputy Governor Pastor Jenipher Mbatiany described the move as a milestone that would open new doors for youth in the region.
“This is a remarkable milestone that will see many of our youths connected to global opportunities,” she said. She added, “It’s more than just a launch, it’s a testament to the long standing bond between Kenya and the United States, which has fueled growth in sectors such as health, education, leadership and human rights,”
Mbatiany highlighted the significant role that US-Kenya collaborations have played over the past six decades in equipping young Kenyans with skills, confidence and the global exposure needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“For over 60 years, the partnership between Kenya and the US has proven transformative changes,” she noted, adding that through exchange programs, young people have gained the ability to pursue their dreams, acquire vital skills and come back home to make a difference.”
The deputy governor also recognised local youth initiatives making tangible impacts, singling out Abdulkarim Taraja, founder of the Elgon Centre for Education (ECE), for his work in Mt. Elgon addressing education, mental health, and teenage pregnancies.
“As a county government, we commend Abdulkarim for his tireless efforts. He has become a beacon of hope, mentoring school-going children and offering solutions to pressing social issues,” Mbatiany said.
She encouraged youth across the region to emulate such efforts, urging them to leverage the platform to gain knowledge and scale their impact.
“I urge all young people to continue doing incredible work in your communities,” she said. “Let this program grow and reach every corner of the region. Knowledge shared is power multiplied,”
The deputy governor emphasised that one of the association’s core objectives is to strengthen strategic partnerships, noting that alumni are uniquely positioned to lead impactful initiatives.
“The US-Kenya alumni present here today is not just past beneficiaries of exchange programs, they are the embodiment of hope and transformation,” she stated. The association is launching chapters in other parts of the country, including the Nyanza region, in a bid to create a robust national network.
Mbatiany also insisted on the importance of resilience and innovation amid shrinking international aid and donor support. “In today’s world of reduced donor funding, our collective expertise and collaboration can generate a ripple effect of change, let’s use this platform to share resources, identify common goals and implement projects that will leave a lasting legacy,” she noted.
