The youth have been challenged to take an active leadership role in shaping Kenya’s future, particularly in climate action, innovation, and economic transformation.
Speaking during a youth convention, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, emphasised that Kenya’s future lies firmly in the hands of its youthful population, which constitutes over 75 per cent of the country’s citizens.
Jacobs noted that Africa remains the only continent with a predominantly youthful population, unlike others facing ageing crises, presenting a unique opportunity for Kenya to leverage its demographic advantage.
“Three quarters of our population comprises young people. If we can leverage this demographic, we can solve nearly every challenge facing our country,” he said.
The PS called on young people to move beyond criticism and actively contribute solutions to governance and development challenges.
“I believe we can question, but we must also provide recommendations on how to move forward as a country,” he added.
Jacobs commended youth-led initiatives such as the Wazalendo Movement Africa, highlighting their efforts in mobilising young people and driving community engagement.
He singled out youth leaders for their innovation and resilience, noting that their contributions should form the “new normal” in Kenya’s development trajectory.
He encouraged young people to believe in themselves regardless of their background, citing his own journey from humble beginnings to a senior government position as proof that success is attainable.
“Regardless of where you come from, believe in yourself. You can rise and become a testimony for others,” he said.
On climate change, Jacobs underscored the importance of youth involvement, noting that discussions on climate justice, resilience, and environmental sustainability cannot exclude young people who have the greatest stake in the future.
“When we talk about the future, we must include those who will live in it. That is why young people must be at the centre of climate conversations,” he stated.
He urged youth to take responsibility in preserving the country’s stability and unity, warning that ambition and innovation can only thrive in a stable nation.
“We want to be leaders in Kenya, not in refugee camps outside our borders. Preserving our republic must remain our top priority,” he said.
The PS also highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering youth economically. Among them is the NYOTA programme, which targets over 820,000 young people through training, grants, and access to government procurement opportunities.
He noted that the programme seeks to address challenges where young entrepreneurs are forced to cede opportunities to more established financiers due to lack of capital.
“We want to ensure young people can access opportunities directly without surrendering their dreams to others,” he explained.
Additionally, Jacobs emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), urging youth who may not have qualified for university education to pursue skills-based training.
“There are over 275 TVET institutions in Kenya. Skills are critical in bridging the gap between learning and earning,” he said.
He further revealed that thousands of young people have already been engaged in government programmes, including housing projects and skills development initiatives, aimed at boosting employment and self-reliance.
Meanwhile, agriculture was highlighted as a key sector with immense opportunities for youth employment and economic growth.
It was noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Youth were encouraged to embrace modern agricultural practices, including urban farming and innovative techniques that do not require large tracts of land.
Examples were cited of young people successfully engaging in high-value farming such as strawberry cultivation on small plots, demonstrating the viability of agriculture as a business.
Young people were also encouraged to move away from the misconception that agriculture is a last resort because in reality, it is one of the most rewarding sectors if approached innovatively.
The leaders also called for the integration of technology, mechanisation, and digital tools in agriculture to increase productivity and attract more youth into the sector.
By Celestine Lomolijah
