Kilifi: The Government has launched a National Youth Week to engage young people nationwide ahead of this year's International Youth Day on August 12, focusing on connecting them to opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the week-long engagement initiative was launched by Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki alongside Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, at Pwani University in Kilifi. This initiative reaffirms the government's commitment to making youth an integral part of the country's development agenda.
DP Kindiki emphasized the importance of giving young people a meaningful voice in shaping the country's future. He urged that youth should not only be heard but also have their ideas implemented. The DP warned against sidelining youth in national affairs, noting that mismanagement of today's resources and opportunities would directly affect the generation with the greatest stake in the country's future. 'The youth have a right to demand the right decisions from us,' he stated, highlighting the long-term impact of today's decisions on young people.
Echoing his sentiments, CS Mvurya emphasized that the Youth Week is a deliberate strategy to bridge the gap between young people and numerous available opportunities. 'Our goal this week is to connect young people with opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and government programmes. Without proper connection, they will not benefit, even if the opportunities exist,' said CS Mvurya.
Mvurya further highlighted the diversity and potential of Kenya's youth, noting that over 15 million young people represent a powerful force for innovation, creativity, and national transformation. He urged the youth to be proactive, make the right connections, and use opportunities wisely.
Youth Affairs Principal Secretary (PS), Fikirini Jacobs, who led the youth delegation at the event, hailed the initiative as a unique and timely platform for young people to directly engage with government leaders and raise pressing issues. Jacobs also hinted at plans to make National Youth Week an annual event, ensuring consistent engagement and equitable youth participation in the country's socio-economic agenda.
The week-long celebration features activities across the country, including career mentorship, exhibitions, digital skills training, policy dialogues, talent showcases, and forums for youth-led innovation. International Youth Day, designated by the United Nations, is marked globally to recognize the contributions of young people to their communities and promote youth engagement at all levels of society.
The Government reiterated its commitment to implementing youth-centred policies, including support for the creative economy, digital entrepreneurship, and skills development as part of its long-term Vision 2030 agenda.