Illaramatak Youth Concerns (IYC) is a vibrant youth-led organization dedicated to transforming lives of the indigenous communities living in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kajiado, Kenya. With over a decade of community service, having previously worked with the Illaramatak Community Concerns, our mother organization, we champion impactful initiatives focused on four key thematic areas: Food Security and Water Sanitation, Climate, Environmental, and Economic Changes, Gender Justice, and Mental Health.
OUR VISION
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Tomorrow
IYC envisions a society where empowered youth lead in climate action and food security through land restoration, water sanitation, and Gender justice, while actively engaging meaningfully in decision-making processes that directly affect them.
OUR MISSION
Empowering Youth for Sustainable Change
We aim to equip youth with skills, knowledge, and resources to meaningfully address climate change and food security, youth empowerment, gender justice, and mental health, fostering lasting impact through indigenous knowledge and leadership.
Our focus areas
Food Security and Water Sanitation
This focus area addresses the critical issues of ensuring access to nutritious food products and clean water, particularly in regions with food scarcity and water sanitation challenges. Il’laramatak Youth Concerns aims to promote sustainable practices and initiatives that enhance food security and provide clean, safe water for communities.
Climate, Environmental, and Economic Changes
In this focus area, the organization is committed to tackling the complex challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and economic instability. Il’laramatak Youth Concerns strives to drive climate action by promoting green energy solutions, increasing tree coverage, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Gender Justice
Gender justice is at the forefront of this focus area, advocating for gender equality and seeking to eliminate harmful cultural practices like gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. The organization works to raise awareness and engage in dialogues to promote gender rights and equity.
Mental Health
Recognizing the importance of mental health, this focus area aims to address the mental health concerns of youth and provide them with support, resources, and awareness. Il’laramatak Youth Concerns is dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being of the youth by equipping them with the necessary tools to tackle mental health issues.
“Empowering communities, preserving cultures, and fostering resilience—the heart of Illaramatak’s journey towards a brighter, sustainable future.”
Our past projects and achievements
Project 1: Fundraising Walk for Food Aid
- Location: Nairobi – Kenya
- Kilometers covered – 10.2
- People reached: 17,080
In our inaugural project, we organized a fundraising walk to support food aid efforts in drought-prone areas. Leveraging the energy and enthusiasm of youth, we rallied support for immediate relief measures, aiming to combat food scarcity.
Achievements:
- Successfully raised funds to provide food aid to vulnerable communities.
- Engaged youth in a meaningful cause and built a sense of social responsibility.
- Initiated our journey toward addressing critical issues in dry regions.
Project 2: Football Tournament for Gender Equality
- Location: Kajiado – Kenya
- Spectators onboard – 3000
- People reached: 3,058
Building on our commitment to societal change, we organized a vibrant football tournament in Kajiado with a focus on promoting gender equality. The tournament brought together youth to engage in sports while igniting conversations around gender-based violence and gender equity.
Achievements:
- Raised awareness about gender-based violence and gender equality, sparking essential discussions.
- Engaged local communities in meaningful dialogue and action to address gender-related challenges.
- Demonstrated the power of sports as a platform for social change.
Project 3: Sustainable Farming Initiatives
- Location: Kajiado – Kenya
- Total farm size – 5.5 acres
- Direct employment – 21
Recognizing the pressing need for food security in semi-arid regions, we initiated sustainable farming projects. Through these projects, we introduced innovative farming techniques and crop diversification to enhance food production and reduce vulnerability to food shortages.
Achievements:
- Contributed to improved food security in semi-arid areas by promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Created new income opportunities for local residents, particularly those from marginalized groups.
- Increased access to nutritious food and boosted the economic well-being of communities.
Project 4: Tree Planting for Environmental Stewardship
- Location: Kilgoris – Kenya
- Trees planted: 3,220
- Land covered: 1 acre
Committed to environmental sustainability, we championed tree planting initiatives to combat environmental challenges. Our efforts included restoring local ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating environmental degradation.
Achievements:
- Contributed to ecosystem restoration, promoting biodiversity and mitigating environmental degradation.
- Reduced the risk of floods in areas prone to flooding, enhancing community safety.
- Improved the health and well-being of local residents through environmental initiatives.
Team
Melvin Melita Leina
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Saif Bongo
Co-Founder and Programs Director
Sean Gikunda
Communications Director and Acting Treasurer
Samora Ismail
HR and Secretary
Stephen Ogweno
Strategy Lead
Il'laramatak Youth Concerns
We are a local indigenous youth led organization that provides support within the local community with a focus on climate change, gender justice, economic empowerment and mental health.
Il'laramatak Youth Concerns 