On December 6, 2024, the Walter Okelo Mentorship Program (WOMP) took a significant step forward in its mission to empower young leaders across Kenya by launching its 3 year Strategic Plan for 2025-2027. The event, held at Gem Suites and Hotel  in Nairobi, brought together a diverse audience, including youth leaders, mentors, corporate stakeholders, and representatives from different organizations. It marked the beginning of an ambitious three-year roadmap designed to create a generation of empowered, resilient young leaders committed to sustainable change.

Celebrating a Vision for Transformative Youth Empowerment

The inspiration behind WOMP stems from the visionary leadership of Hon. Walter Okelo, whose years of public service highlighted the urgent need for structured mentorship programs for Kenya’s youth. Recognizing that sustainable solutions require more than temporary assistance, WOMP was established with three foundational pillars:

1. Awakening: Cultivating self-awareness, leadership skills, and conscious living among youth.
2. Connecting: Bridging gaps to opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and employment.
3. Building Resilience: Equipping young people to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.

In his keynote address, Hon. Walter Okelo shared his vision of a future where every young person is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to excel. He emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders to support youth as agents of societal transformation. The Guest of Honor, Hon. Geoffrey Mosiria, commended the organization’s remarkable trajectory and pledged his support. He also committed to mobilizing others to join as mentors and partners, further strengthening the impact of the Walter Okelo Mentorship Program.

Highlights of the Strategic Plan 2025-2027

The newly launched plan reflects WOMP’s commitment to aligning with global priorities such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with specific emphasis on quality education, gender equality, and decent work. The Strategic Plan outlines five key goals:

1. Empowering Young Leaders: Through leadership clinics, awards, and mentorship programs, WOMP aims to inspire over 100,000 youth to become change-makers in their communities.
2. Creating Pathways to Opportunities: By establishing partnerships with 50 organizations, WOMP will connect 1,000 youth to job placements, internships, and entrepreneurial support.
3. Fostering Resilience: Youth will receive training and support  in emotional intelligence, stress management, and adaptability to help them navigate life’s challenges.
4. Strengthening Organizational Capacity: Efforts will focus on establishing a robust governance structure, expanding the team, and diversifying funding streams.
5. Ensuring Financial Sustainability: The plan sets a target of raising Ksh 10 million annually through grants, partnerships, and social enterprise activities.

Celebrating Milestones and Partnerships

The launch event also celebrated WOMP’s achievements over the past year. These include reaching 50,000 young leaders, organizing 24 virtual workshops, and facilitating 500 internship opportunities. WOMP has forged strong partnerships with leading institutions such as the Technical University of Mombasa and Kisii University, as well as corporate entities like Afrimax Solutions, Omil Staffing Services and the Siaya County College and University Students Assocaitions.

A Call to Action

As WOMP embarks on this transformative journey, the organization invites individuals, corporations, and community organizations to join hands in realizing its vision. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, or partnership, every contribution will play a crucial role in building a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.

The launch of the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is not just a milestone for WOMP—it is a call to action for all who believe in the potential of young leaders to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Together, we can create a legacy of empowered youth and thriving communities.

For more information about the Walter Okelo Mentorship Program and ways to support its initiatives, visit www.womp.co.ke.