Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has underscored that holders of gold certificates for the president’s awards programme shall be accorded preference status in public service recruitment.
The CS noted that the move is in recognition of the members’ demonstrated commitment to community responsibility and leadership.
Speaking during the duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Africa Regional Conference in collaboration with the President’s Award -Kenya, at a Mombasa Hotel, Mvurya noted that the initiative is a reflection of President William Ruto’s unwavering support for the programme.
“This progressive move reflects the government’s belief that education must go beyond academic attainment hence it must nurture important human character such as resilience, unleash creative potential, inspire meaningful societal contribution as well as foster deep community engagement,” he explained.
In addition, he commended the President’s Awards for serving as a platform for the youth to build practical life skills, pursue their passions and to develop a sense of purpose in their early years of development.
“This is especially important today as young people face an array of challenges such as mental health and fitness issues while being worried about the health and well-being of their family and friends which have led to high levels of stress,” said Mvurya.
The CS further called on the various representatives to prioritize youth voice and participation in policy-making, scale up investment in non-formal education and life skills development, foster regional collaboration and innovation in youth programming and to support the recognition of the award framework in employment, education, and community development spaces.
Themed, taking a new bearing, the forum attended by over 40 delegates from diverse African nations, seeks to share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across the award family thus laying the foundation for deeper regional partnerships and greater investment in youth development.
In attendance was County Governor, Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir who is also a participant of the President’s Award and he highlighted the County’s plan to foster partnership with the programme, a move that will see more students benefit from the program.
“I have issued a directive to the department of youth and department of education to partner with the president’s award-Kenya through the motivational programme that happens during school holidays and the county government shall provide adequate funding to ensure the success of the matter,” said Nassir.
The one-week event brought together at least 11 of the 15 countries participating in the president’s award including Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, The Seychelles, and Mauritius.
Secretary General for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Martin Houghton-Brown noted that over one million young people are currently participating in the programme across more than 120 countries.
However, the SG expressed a deep concern for Africa today as it faces huge challenges including climate change, unending conflicts, high living costs; access to basics and competition for jobs hence the need for developing world ready young people.
“Our ambition means that we have to figure out how to get to 1.35million young people across Africa in the next three years,” noted Brown.
He further praised President William Ruto in regard to the order of precedence for holders of the president’s award terming it as a valuable recognition.
“In real terms, this means that young people with the certificate have increased chances of securing employment hence this is truly valued recognition and I thank you for the example you are setting,” he said.
By Nuru Soud
