Three Years of Impact: Bata Kenya and SOS Children’s Villages Kenya Continue Transforming Young Lives Through YouthCan!
Nairobi, Kenya — SOS Children’s Villages Kenya and Bata Kenya, through the Bata Children’s Program, have renewed their partnership for a third consecutive year under the YouthCan! Programme, reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering vulnerable young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in independent adulthood.
Over the past three years, this impactful partnership has directly reached more than 1,000 young people across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Meru. Through a holistic approach, the YouthCan! Programme has provided participants with mentorship, employability readiness training, entrepreneurship exposure, psychosocial support, and career guidance, equipping them to navigate the transition into adulthood.
The initiative has already yielded tangible results. To date, it has supported the establishment of 10 youth-led businesses, facilitated over 20 internship opportunities, and opened up direct employment pathways for participating youth—marking a significant step toward sustainable livelihoods.
Expanding Impact Through Financial Literacy
In its third year, the programme is expanding its scope to include financial literacy training, recognizing the importance of equipping young people with practical skills in budgeting, saving, and financial planning. This addition aims to strengthen long-term economic resilience and empower youth to make informed financial decisions.
Voices from the Partnership
Speaking during the launch event, Abbas Shirazi, Managing Director, Bata Shoe Kenya PLC, emphasized the company’s long-term vision for youth empowerment:
“At Bata Kenya, through the Bata Children’s Program, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to build a dignified and independent future. Through YouthCan!, we continue to invest in practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities that help young people grow in confidence, strengthen resilience, and prepare for the realities of the modern workplace and entrepreneurship.”
Walter S. Odhiambo, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Kenya, highlighted the importance of sustained support systems:
“The transition into adulthood can be especially challenging for vulnerable young people without strong support systems. Through this partnership, we are not only equipping young people with employability and entrepreneurial skills, but also strengthening their confidence, emotional wellbeing, and ability to make informed decisions about their future. The continued partnership with Bata Kenya demonstrates the importance of long-term investment in youth empowerment.”
Strengthening Commitment to Youth
A key highlight of the launch was the symbolic signing of the renewed partnership agreement by Abbas Shirazi, John Ngoru, Walter Odhiambo, and Priscah Chege. This moment underscored the shared commitment to creating sustainable and scalable pathways for young people to succeed.
Youth empowerment requires long-term partnerships, practical opportunities, and collective action. SOS Children’s Villages Kenya invites corporates, development partners, and individuals to join in building sustainable pathways that enable young people not only to survive but to thrive, lead, and shape their futures.