08/09/2026
As Kenya approaches another campaign season, there is growing concern about the vulnerability of unemployed and economically disadvantaged young people currently branded as "GOONS" to political manipulation. Across the country, young people can be drawn into activities that create conflict, disruption and destruction, often in exchange for short-term financial handouts out of desperation .
At Briquette Champions Africa, we believe that one of the most sustainable ways to address this challenge is to tackle it at its root:Economic exclusion and lack of meaningful opportunities for young people.
For the past six years, we have dedicated ourselves to equipping youth with practical skills that can translate directly into sustainable livelihoods. Through our programmes, we train young people and youth-led groups to transform agricultural and other waste biomass into eco-friendly charcoal briquettesβa clean energy alternative with an established and growing market.
The opportunity is significant. Briquette production can be undertaken in many parts of Kenya, using locally available biomass waste, while simultaneously creating employment, reducing waste and contributing to environmental conservation. More importantly, it gives young people the opportunity to become producers, entrepreneurs and job creators rather than recipients of short-term handouts.
However, we recognise that we cannot achieve this transformation alone.
We are therefore appealing to government institutions, county governments, NGOs, development partners, foundations, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to partner with us in taking this initiative county by county.
Our vision is to work collaboratively with partners to:
* Identify and mobilise organised youth-led groups across the counties.
* Provide practical training in briquette production and entrepreneurship.
* Facilitate access to appropriate production equipment and machinery.
* Support youth groups in developing sustainable revenue streams.
* Create local employment and enterprise opportunities.
* Promote responsible utilisation of agricultural and biomass waste.
* Contribute to environmental conservation and the transition towards cleaner energy.
* Help build resilient communities where young people have a genuine economic stake in their future.
Over the years,we have accumulated real-world testimonials and success stories from individuals and groups who have undergone our training and are actively producing briquettes using the skills, equipment and machinery provided through our programmes.
These experiences have demonstrated to us that when young people are given practical skills, the right tools and an opportunity to access markets, they can transform their circumstances and become catalysts for economic development within their communities.
We now want to take this impact to a much larger scale.
Our appeal is simple,let us invest in Kenya's youth before others invest in their desperation.
Rather than waiting for young people to become vulnerable to destructive influences, we can collectively create opportunities that give them a reason to build, produce, employ others and protect their communities.
We invite both governmental and non-governmental organisations and institutions that share this vision to partner with us in implementing a practical, measurable and scalable youth economic-empowerment programme across Kenya.
If your organisation is interested in exploring a partnership or supporting this initiative, we would be delighted to engage with you.
To get in touch with us
π Call/WhatsApp:+254716266728
π§ Email:[email protected]
fans William Samoei Ruto Governor Gladys Wanga Mike Sonko Sakaja Johnson Babu Owino Susan Kihika Edwin W. Sifuna Kenya Climate Innovation Center UN Environment Programme Practical Action
