The government has called on Kenyan youth to reject violence and embrace available opportunities that contribute to national development and transformation.
Speaking during the opening of the 8th Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) Annual Regional Conference in Nairobi, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya urged young people to remain peaceful, focused, and engaged in constructive activities, emphasizing that their energy is needed more in innovation and enterprise than in political disruptions.
“The future of this country lies in the hands of the youth. I urge you to resist being used as tools for violence or political disruption. Instead, connect with the vast opportunities available and become ambassadors of peace, innovation and progress,” said the CS.
Mvurya reiterated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through programmes aligned with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), noting that various ministries have mainstreamed youth-targeted interventions.
“We are fast-tracking programmes that address gaps in skills, employment, access to capital, and youth inclusion. These initiatives are designed not just to support but to empower youth as key drivers of economic growth,” he added.
The CS added that among the flagship initiatives is the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, implemented in partnership with the World Bank.
The initiative targets over 800,000 vulnerable youth across all 47 counties, offering entrepreneurship training, credit access, mentorship, and pathways to sustainable employment.
Furthermore, Mvurya noted that the Youth Enterprise Development Fund has disbursed over Ksh. 1.24 billion in loans to more than 95,000 youth-led businesses, enabling young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures and participate in the Labour Mobility Programme.
In the creative sector, the CS reported progress in revitalizing Studio Mashinani projects, which serve as talent development hubs for youth in film, music, and the arts. Thus, these centers are aimed at helping young creatives commercialize their talents.
He also revealed ongoing reviews of key legislative instruments, including the Youth Policy, Creative Economy Bill, and Sports Bill, which are expected to strengthen the policy environment for youth empowerment.
“The review and operationalization of these policies will equip the Ministry with the tools needed to safeguard youth spaces and unlock their potential. Our goal is to transform youth talents into economic assets that uplift individuals, communities, and the nation,” Mvurya concluded.
The KIPPRA conference brings together policymakers, researchers, and development partners to discuss policy solutions that support Kenya’s socio-economic development goals, with a strong focus on youth inclusion.
By Joan Ogolla
