Mombasa County to Fund Youth Innovations to Tackle Unemployment

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa County has announced plans to allocate millions of shillings to purchase and support innovative solutions developed by youth as part of its broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship and combat rising youth unemployment.

Speaking during the launch of the 6th Edition of Pwani Innovation Week in Mombasa on August 7, 2025, deputy governor Francis Thoya reaffirmed the county’s commitment not just to support, but to actively invest in homegrown innovations.

“To ensure the sustainability of youth-driven innovations, the county government will either buy or partner with innovators whose solutions address real challenges faced by our departments.”

He revealed that Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration has directed all county departments to identify and document key challenges.

These challenges will be shared with young innovators during Pwani Innovation Week to encourage the development of practical, implementable solutions.

“Many departments have challenges that require innovative interventions. By engaging youth through platforms like this, we are not just supporting ideas—we are investing in sustainable development.”

According to recent data, the youth unemployment rate in Mombasa stands at 35 percent. Leaders and stakeholders are optimistic that innovation-driven initiatives like Pwani Innovation Week can help close this gap by creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.

The DG applauded the initiative’s impact since its inception in 2018, noting that over 2,000 young people have participated in innovation and entrepreneurship programs across the coastal region.

“I was thrilled to learn about a young innovator who developed StockApp, which received funding through Pwani Innovation Week in 2018. Today, he has returned to Swahili Pot and created five well-paying jobs for fellow youth. These are the kinds of success stories we aim to replicate across the coastal ecosystem.”

He reiterated that the county is committed to making Pwani Innovation Week more than just an annual event.

The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 31 at Swahili Pot Hub.

“We will support this event not as a one-off gathering, but as a blueprint for sustainable development. We are also reaching out to partners in maritime, banking, and hospitality to scale its impact.”

I stand before you not just as a representative of Mombasa County, but as a firm believer in a youth-led, innovative, and sustainably prosperous future.”

Pwani Innovation Week patron and Swahili Pot Hub founder Mahmoud Noor described the event as a flagship platform under the Swahilipot Hub Foundation designed for innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to showcase transformative ideas—particularly for Kenya’s coastal region.

Noor, who also serves as the foundation’s chief mentor emphasized the importance of innovation in driving development and enhancing the quality of life across the region.

The event also drew key stakeholders including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) led by Vice Chancellor Professor Laila Abubakar.

“This is a safe haven for young people. Pwani Innovation Week is truly a game-changer in entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Prof. Abubakar.

She urged greater support for youth-led innovation, especially in sectors such as fisheries, the blue economy, and women-led enterprises.

This year’s theme, “Youth Agency, Innovation, and Sustainability,” highlights the need for inclusive collaboration, bold ideas, and future-focused development for the coast region.