International Youth Day

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has underscored the critical role that youth play in nation-building, highlighting their contributions to driving change and fostering innovation in Kenya. On the occasion of International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12th, Mudavadi praised Kenyan youth for their dedication to the nation’s progress, particularly through their engagement with digital technology and innovation.

Mudavadi acknowledged that Kenya’s young men and women possess immense potential to build a prosperous nation. He noted that their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the country’s well-being are evident in their active participation in various sectors. “Kenya’s young men and women have consistently shown that they possess the potential to build a prosperous nation, demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being of our country,” Mudavadi remarked in his message.

Harnessing Youth Potential

Mudavadi emphasized that the key to unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s youth lies in providing them with the necessary opportunities to flourish. He pointed out that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to creating an environment where young people can thrive. “With their energy, enthusiasm, and determination, all our young people need are the opportunities to flourish. As the Kenya Kwanza government, this remains our unwavering commitment,” he stated.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the importance of equipping the youth with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. He noted that if the youth, with their numbers and energy, are properly harnessed and empowered, they can significantly impact the global economy. Mudavadi cited a recent development where, through the intervention of President William Ruto, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, introduced new features allowing content creators on its platform to earn revenue from short-form videos through advertising. This, he said, is an example of how digital opportunities can be leveraged to benefit the youth and contribute to economic growth.

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“As we celebrate #InternationalYouthDay, I join our young people in Kenya and around the world in recognizing the bright future that lies ahead, driven by their active engagement with the issues that shape their lives,” Mudavadi emphasized, encouraging the youth to continue playing an active role in shaping their futures.

Youth and Digital Transformation

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” aligns perfectly with President William Ruto’s vision of establishing digital hubs across the nation. The theme highlights the critical role of digital access in creating job opportunities and promoting inclusive growth. Mudavadi reiterated that the government’s focus on digital transformation aims to provide the youth with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

United Nations data reveals that half of the world’s population is 30 years old or younger, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth for sustainable development. The government’s efforts to promote digital access and innovation are seen as a strategic move to harness the potential of this demographic, ensuring that young people are at the forefront of Kenya’s economic and social progress.

Commitment to Youth-Led Initiatives

In addition to Mudavadi’s remarks, Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of young people. He highlighted the importance of programs such as NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) and the National Youth Council, which aim to empower the youth and propel the nation to new heights.

“On this International Youth Day, I reaffirm my commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives such as NYOTA, the National Youth Council, and others that aim to enhance the livelihoods of our young people and propel our nation to new heights,” Murkomen stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Murkomen also noted that this year’s International Youth Day celebrations align with the Digital Superhighway initiative under the BETA Agenda, which acknowledges the crucial role of youth in shaping Kenya’s digital future. He pledged to ensure that the youth take the lead in driving the national development agenda, focusing on key areas such as Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry.

“By focusing on Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry, we shall engage young people, ensuring that they are informed, empowered, and ready to drive national development,” Murkomen said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

A Day of Reflection and Future Aspirations

International Youth Day, commemorated annually on August 12th, serves as a day to reflect on the achievements of the youth and their potential to shape the future. As Kenya continues to invest in its young population, the government remains optimistic about the prospects of a brighter future driven by the innovation, determination, and energy of its youth. With ongoing support and the creation of opportunities, the youth of Kenya are well-positioned to lead the nation toward sustainable development and prosperity.