The Sheria Ya Vijana (SYV) Project is a nationwide EU-funded youth empowerment program supporting Kenya’s green and digital transition. Youth-led enterprises and organisations in Nairobi and Kwale counties can apply for enterprise development support, mentorship, incubation and training focused on green economy, digital skills and sustainable business growth. Eligible applicants must be youth-led, impact-oriented and aligned with renewable energy, circular economy, nature-based solutions or sustainable agriculture value chains.

Overview

The Sheria Ya Vijana Project empowers young people to drive Kenya’s transition toward a green, digital and inclusive economy. Co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Barnfonden with WeWorld, AFOSI, OAY, SYO and KCIC, the program provides training, enterprise development and ecosystem support to young entrepreneurs, youth-led organisations and community networks.

Key Focus Areas

The program supports initiatives that:

Empower and equip youth to participate in Kenya’s green and digital transitions
Address unemployment, underemployment and limited civic participation
Strengthen digital literacy, green economy skills, entrepreneurship and leadership training
Provide mentorship, incubation, internships and enterprise development support
Promote sustainable and commercially viable youth enterprises
Create decent employment opportunities for young people and women
Expand understanding of renewable energy, nature-based solutions, circular economy and sustainable agriculture value chains

Program Impact

Direct beneficiaries: 5,875 young people
Demographics: 60% women, 3% persons with disabilities
Indirect reach: Over 1.8 million youth across Kenya
The project strengthens youth participation in the economy, supports climate-smart innovation and improves access to digital and green skills.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Youth entrepreneurs aged 18–29
Persons with disabilities aged 18–35
Youth-led enterprises and organisations, both registered and unregistered
Community-based organisations, self-help groups, CSOs and SMEs operating in green or digital sectors
Applicants must:
Be operating in Nairobi or Kwale counties
Have income-generating activities running for at least 12 months
Demonstrate a feasible and scalable business model
Be engaged in renewable energy, circular economy, nature-based solutions or sustainable agriculture
Commit to creating decent job opportunities for youth and women
Be willing to undergo due diligence before acceptance

Why It Matters

Kenya’s youth represent a powerful force for innovation and sustainable development. The SYV Project:

Addresses high youth unemployment and underemployment
Strengthens national capacity for green and digital transformation
Builds a pipeline of climate-smart and tech-enabled enterprises
Supports economic opportunities for women and persons with disabilities
Encourages civic participation through youth-led leadership and community engagement

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm eligibility
Ensure the enterprise is youth-led, green or digital-based, legally operating in Nairobi or Kwale, and has at least 12 months of activity.
Prepare documentation
Include business details, proof of operations, organisation information and any relevant certifications.
Describe the business model
Show feasibility, sustainability, revenue potential and job-creation capacity.
Demonstrate alignment
Explain how the enterprise fits within green economy, circular economy, nature-based solutions or sustainable agriculture.
Submit the application
Apply through the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) platform or designated application portal.
Undergo due diligence
Successful applicants will be reviewed before final placement in the program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without meeting county restrictions (must operate in Nairobi or Kwale)
Submitting business ideas instead of active income-generating activities
Lack of clear revenue model or scalability plan
Not demonstrating green and digital alignment
Insufficient documentation or unclear organisational structure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to be a registered organisation to apply?
No. Both registered and unregistered youth-led groups may apply as long as they operate legally.
2. Can I apply if my business is less than a year old?
No. Applicants must have operated an income-generating activity for at least 12 months.
3. What counts as a youth-led enterprise?
An enterprise where youth (18–29, or 18–35 for persons with disabilities) hold leadership or ownership roles.
4. Are digital-only businesses eligible?
Yes, if they support digital transformation and youth economic participation.
5. Can enterprises outside Nairobi or Kwale apply?
Not for this call. Only businesses in Nairobi and Kwale counties are eligible.
6. What support will selected applicants receive?
Enterprise development assistance, mentorship, training, incubation, networking opportunities and business model strengthening.
7. Is funding provided directly to businesses?
The program primarily offers enterprise development support, not direct cash grants.

Conclusion

The Sheria Ya Vijana Project is a major opportunity for youth-led, green and digital enterprises in Kenya to strengthen their businesses, gain skills and drive national transformation. By investing in sustainable innovation and empowering young people, the program supports long-term economic resilience, inclusive growth and climate-smart development across the country.