Champions for SDGs Youth is a diverse youth-led organization working toward positive youth development, their meaningful involvement, just and inclusive societies. The organization was founded in March 2019 by Arnold Gekonge and hosts regular hybrid information sessions, dialogues and conferences to reach out to young people, educate them about Sustainable Development and carry out policy advocacy. Champions for SDGs Youth fosters an environment where the young people can acquire relevant knowledge, get empowered and actively contribute towards the implementation and review of the targets of the SDGs in all their diversities. The organization’s programs target young people of ages between 18 and 35 years (Constitution of Kenya, 2010).

Since its foundation, Champions for SDGs Youth has contributed to meaningful youth engagement in the implementation and reporting of the SDGs through the following key highlights, among others:

i. During the 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022 Annual National SDGs Multi-stakeholders’ Youth Pre-conferences that the organization has co-hosted with partners, stakeholders from various sectors in Kenya have come together and engaged in intergenerational dialogues, fronting key messages to the main conference to enhance youth involvement in SDGs processes.

ii. Champions for SDGs Youth has plugged in to key conversation on the road to the Summit of the Future by hosting the Ma Youth Na SDGs (Young People and SDGs) dialogues: prior to the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) to sensitize youth on avenues available to shape the Pact for the Future, after the 2024 UNCSC to explore the next steps for continued engagement in the process, and recently the Ma Youth Na Pact (Young people and the Pact) dialogue to bring together stakeholders to localize the Pact for the Future in Kenya.

So far, the organization has reached over 32,000 youth directly and indirectly in its past 50+ sessions from across 33+ counties in Kenya namely: Baringo, Bomet, Busia, Embu, Homabay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tharaka Nithi, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and Wajir. As a result, the youth reached have demonstrated increased knowledge on the SDGs, the implementation and review processes and how to stay actively involved. To enhance inclusivity of young people in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SDGs, Champions for SDGs Youth has established collaborations with various notable stakeholders to carry out SDGs educational activities. These partners include the Kenya School of Government, University of Nairobi Students Association, UN Major Group for Children and Youth, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, UNESCO Youth Forum Kenya, SDGs Kenya Forum, National Youth Council Kenya, VSO Kenya, Plan International Kenya, American Spaces Kenya, Kenya Platform for Climate Governance, the International Economic Partnerships and Frameworks Coordination Directorate, State Department for Economic Planning, among others.