A CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE IN NAIROBI: A Mathare.

Urban Youth-Development Resource. A high rate of urbanization has been witnessed in the recent past, with urban population exceeding rural population. Consequently, rising spread of slums in the world, more so in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is noted that youth form the largest portion of urban population.Unfortunately, this urbanization lack opportunities for youth. This has catapulted them into desperation and poverty.The author argues that youth can cause and propel development, but are hampered by lack of enhancement of their capabilities and by ineffective engagement. In recognition of youth potential capabilities, Mathare Youth sports Association (MYSA) is using sports and community service as youth engagement formula for the purpose of developing the said capabilities. This is referred to as MYSA Approach (MYSAA). The study follows up MYSAA as used among Mathare slum youth to understand how it is used to improve youth capabilities and to learn from it. It also contributes to development studies as an input in the current debates about youth, their numbers and contribution to development. Youth capability enhancement require opportunities, and youth friendly approach.

Author son of David & Monica Muliru M.A Development Studies at I.S.S of Erasmus University The Netherlands B.A in Soc. & Geog. at UON-1990/95 Youth Officer II?MOYAS Research Assistant-Population Council Programme Officer?Development Outreach Social Research Officer:CERDS Volunteer Prog.Officer Founder Avene Orphan Children Home