18th Quarterly Report, July – September 2015: Yes Youth Can! Rift Valley FY 2015 Q3 PROGRESS REPORT

Rift Valley (YYC-RV) is a program aimed at strengthening the capabilities of youth and youth bunges to be agents of positive change in their communities. The program, implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with County Bunge Forums (CBFs) and Savings and Credit Cooperatives Societies (SACCOs), pursues four related objectives: mobilizing youth and forming youth representation structures, supporting youth to exercise a greater voice in local and national affairs, increasing youth productivity, employment opportunities, and income, and increasing young women's access to social, political, and economic opportunities. During the quarter, radio talk shows sparked interest across the region, with youth asking how they can join the youth network and benefit from empowerment activities. The popularity of the YYC network was replicated in Bomet County, resulting in the formation and launch of Bomet CBF. Over 250 youth in Bomet County had the opportunity to elect their board members. The new CBF leaders across the region were mentored and trained on management and leadership principles to prepare them for their new roles and responsibilities. County governments continued to respond to youth issues through their active participation in youth activities. For instance, during the live media coverage in Nakuru, the County Governor promised direct prequalification of youth-owned companies to access the 30% government tenders. Mercy Corps continued to support the CBFs and SACCOs with public and private sector linkages, with a keen eye on sustainability beyond the YYC program closure. Stakeholder close-out meetings are scheduled for the next quarter to strengthen the existing linkages. The YYC-RV program reached 11,861 youth (7,906M, 3,955F) with YYC messages during the quarter. Cumulatively, the program has reached a total of 1,556,188 (1,026,059; 530,129) youth. The avenues used to reach out to the youth comprised radio talk shows, international youth week, SACCO drives, stakeholder meetings, and trainings. A total of 77 new bunges were formed in the quarter, with a cumulative 8,308 bunges formed and registered. The current bunge membership at the close of the quarter was 176,537 youth (105,257M; 71,280F). SACCOs continued to grow, with 387 youth (273M; 114F) joining and saving with the SACCOs. The current SACCO membership stands at 5,267 (3,398M; 1,792F; 77 corporates). Cumulatively, the youth contributed KES 2,699,381 as shares, representing 11.5% growth up from the previous quarter. Cumulatively, savings worth KES 38,002,682 have been contributed by SACCO members, representing 16.7% growth compared to the previous quarter. The 387 youth who joined the SACCO, 29.2% were young women who also accessed loans and started and/or revamped existing enterprises. Out of a cumulative figure of 423 youth who accessed Coke 5by20 products, 63.4% are young women. KES 126,747,440 worth of tenders were won by either youth-owned companies, bunges, or individual youth, since program inception. Approximately KES 125,513,440 (99.0%) worth of the tenders was from the government, while KES 1,234,000 (1.0%) worth of tenders was from the private sector. In this quarter, KES 7,130,511 was transferred to the CBFs. The total amount transferred to the CBFs and SACCOs to date is KES 58,391,816 and 60,132,866, respectively. Uasin Gishu SACCO operated for some time without a bookkeeper after the previous one left due to integrity issues. In the course of the quarter, the SACCO recruited a new bookkeeper who took over the office. The Uasin Gishu CBF and the SACCO also relocated to a new office within Eldoret Town. During the quarter, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi SACCOs offered positions to two youth (one male and one female). They are providing administrative support to both the CBFs and the SACCOs. The YYC RV program is ending in December 2015. However, during the remaining period, Mercy Corps will continue focusing on the SACCOs and CBFs sustainability and close-out strategies. The next quarter's activities will include organizing and hosting a Regional Youth Forum and Exhibition by Kericho CBF, similar to the one held in Nakuru in May 2015.