Empowering the Youth for Economic Sustainability: A Visit to a Local Carwash on Madaraka Day
On Madaraka Day, a celebration of our nation's sovereignty and the power of self-governance, we had the great honor of spending the day with a remarkable group of young Kenyans who are doing exactly what this day symbolizes: taking charge of their future with courage, creativity, and community spirit.
We visited a youth-run car wash in Nairobi, where determination meets enterprise. These young people have transformed a small roadside space into a hub of opportunity, a space not just for washing vehicles but for restoring dignity, building skills, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
More Than Just a Carwash
This initiative is about more than keeping cars clean. It's about cleaning away the dust of unemployment and hopelessness. These young men and women are rewriting the narrative, refusing to sit idle, and instead choosing to build something with their own hands.
“This car wash is not just our job — it’s our pride. It keeps us going and gives us a reason to wake up every morning.”
— Mr. Sanclaus Wanga
However, like many grassroots youth initiatives, they face significant challenges. Chief among them is access to water. Without a reliable water source, the business grinds to a halt. Storage is also a concern; they lack proper tanks and pressure machines that would increase efficiency and quality of service.
During heavy rains or harsh sun, lack of shelter hinders both health and operations. As Mr. Shadrack Wekesa shared, “Working under direct sun or during downpours is tough. Sometimes we lose customers because we can’t work comfortably.”
How Sahel RSG Stepped In
At Sahel Research and Strategy Group, we believe true empowerment begins by listening. We sat down with the team, heard their concerns, and committed to walk alongside them on this journey.
As a first step, we provided essential supplies: detergents, microfiber cloths, dashboard cleaners, and drying aids. These small tools make a big difference in maintaining quality and professionalism.
In addition, we donated a water pump and two large-capacity tanks to help them store and access water more consistently. We’re also exploring solutions to address shelter needs and safe wastewater disposal challenges common to youth-run car washes across Kenya.
“We feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Now we can work better and plan bigger.”
— Sarah Njeri, Car Wash Team Leader
Scaling Youth Potential
Across the country, thousands of youth are running similar operations. If equipped with the right tools, training, and infrastructure, these car washes could be hubs of employment, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Our vision is to partner with communities and local governments to:
- Expand access to water equipment and eco-friendly cleaning tools.
- Establish basic shelter and shade structures for youth-run enterprises.
- Provide training in business management, hygiene, and waste handling.
- Link youth entrepreneurs with micro-financing and mentorship networks.
Watch: A Glimpse into Their Daily Work
This short video captures the dedication, teamwork, and hustle of the carwash youth in action.
Why It Matters — Especially on Madaraka Day
Madaraka Day reminds us that independence isn't just a political concept, but a personal one. It's about the power to shape your future, to make decisions with dignity, and to rise above limitations through action.
The youth we met at the car wash live this spirit every day. They aren’t waiting for handouts. They are working, learning, and leading, and we couldn’t be prouder to support their journey.
As we continue our work, we reaffirm this truth: when you invest in youth, you invest in Kenya’s future.
Happy Madaraka Day. Long live the spirit of youth empowerment. Long live Kenya.