Isiolo County, Kenya| In the arid landscapes of Nasuroi village in Ngaremara Ward, a transformative youth empowerment initiative is breathing new life into the community.
Through a powerful collaboration between Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P), Mercy Corps, the County Government of Isiolo, and the National Government, the Promoting Resilience, Inclusivity, and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) program is helping vulnerable youth unlock their potential and lead healthier, more economically empowered lives.
The initiative, targeting young people aged 10 to 29, combines entrepreneurship, agriculture, and sexual and reproductive health education to build resilience and open up sustainable livelihood opportunities.
It currently supports three youth groups in the village—one male and two female—with each group comprising 15 to 30 active members who meet weekly for skill-building and mentoring sessions.
Empowering Youth Through Partnerships
Speaking during a recent advocacy forum held in Nasuroi, Zaituna Abdullahi from MID-P emphasized the critical role of inter-institutional collaboration in achieving long-term impact.
“PRIME focuses on accelerating change by creating a stronger enabling environment where young people can access services, opportunities, and support systems to realize their full potential,” said Zaituna.
“We promote inclusive leadership, help reduce school dropout rates, and empower young people with life skills that prepare them for both personal and economic success.”
The forum brought together youth group leaders, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), and representatives from the County Government’s departments of Health, Gender, Culture, and Social Services, as well as officials from the National Government’s Departments of Education and Children’s Services.
Zaituna highlighted that one of PRIME’s key strengths is in financial empowerment. Members learn to manage group finances, issue loans among themselves, and access formal financial services such as bank accounts and government funds.
“We assist them in opening accounts, linking them with financial institutions and informing them about programs like the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Women Enterprise Fund,” she added. “These connections are crucial in helping them start their own businesses and become financially independent.”
Shifting Social Norms and Health Awareness
PRIME is also fostering cultural change in traditionally patriarchal communities. Zaituna underscored the growing male involvement in sexual and reproductive health as a major achievement of the program.
“In pastoralist communities, men have historically been disengaged from maternal health matters. But through PRIME, we’re witnessing more men accompany their wives for antenatal care and support them throughout the pregnancy journey,” she noted.
This cultural shift is largely facilitated by trained Community Health Volunteers who act as critical liaisons between the community and the health system.
Trained by both the county government and development partners, CHVs deliver crucial education on reproductive health, family planning, nutrition, and maternal care—even in remote locations like Nasuroi where health facilities are sparse.
Voices From the Ground: A Changed Community
Youth group leaders Christine Alim Lim and Samuel Nyangayo attested to the tangible impact PRIME has had on their community.
“Thanks to the support from MID-P and CHVs, we’ve managed to save many young girls from early pregnancies and harmful practices,” said Christine.
“We now have young mothers who are accessing family planning services, others are engaged in agribusiness, and some have launched small ventures—outcomes we couldn’t have imagined before.”
Samuel Nyangayo praised the program for transforming male attitudes and improving family relationships.
“We are now more involved as husbands and fathers. We support our wives during pregnancy and accompany them to clinics. This has greatly reduced conflicts in our homes and strengthened family unity,” he said.
A Model for Integrated Youth Development
The PRIME program in Nasuroi stands as a model for integrated youth empowerment, demonstrating that with the right mix of local knowledge, institutional support, and sustained engagement, marginalized communities can be transformed from within.
The collaboration between MID-P, Mercy Corps, government institutions, and local volunteers exemplifies how collective action can dismantle barriers to health, education, and economic participation.
As Isiolo County continues its pursuit of inclusive development, initiatives like PRIME offer a beacon of hope—showcasing how strategic partnerships and culturally sensitive programming can uplift youth, strengthen families, and build healthier, more resilient communities in some of Kenya’s most remote and underserved areas.