Lamu Youth Alliance

The Lamu Youth Alliance (LYA) is a community-based organization in Lamu County, Kenya, focused on empowering young people. It acts as a critical platform addressing the region's challenges such as high unemployment and vulnerability to extremism by promoting economic opportunity, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.

· Youth Empowerment & Livelihoods: Providing skills training and job opportunities to counter high unemployment rates and reduce economic vulnerability.
· Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE): Addressing the root causes of radicalization by offering sustainable economic alternatives and promoting community resilience.
· Civic Engagement & Advocacy: Helping young people engage with local government and advocate for their needs and interests.
· Cultural & Environmental Stewardship: Organizing events like the annual Lamu Festival to celebrate Swahili heritage and sponsoring the traditional dhow race to highlight the importance of the ocean and fishing livelihoods.