Caritas Nairobi Plans Fundraising Dinner to Support Youth in Informal Settlements Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Polls

Caritas Nairobi will hold its annual fundraising dinner on Friday, October 9, to support young people living in informal settlements. Michelle Weru, the resource mobilization and partnerships officer for the organization, said the event aims to fund skills development, vocational training, and further education.

The social and development arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi is launching this specific focus to address a gap in its current programming. Weru noted that while previous projects included small youth components, the organization lacks a major project dedicated primarily to young people. The funds will help those who lack access to higher education or job opportunities.

The initiative also intends to provide sensitization efforts to reduce the vulnerability of youth to political exploitation before Kenya's 2027 general election. Additionally, the program will address challenges such as mental health, substance abuse, and negative peer pressure.