Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya officially welcomed the incoming Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Fikirini Jacobs, at Talanta Plaza, with a resounding call to action to champion for a youth-led transformation rooted in urgency, coordination, and purpose.
“We are no longer discussing youth as a transitioning group; we are empowering them to lead from the front,” said Mvurya.
“Kenya’s youth are not just the future; they are the present, and we must create an environment where they can thrive,” he said.
Speaking during the handover-takeover ceremony at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, the CS underscored the importance of the government’s flagship initiative targeting 800,000 youth for skills development and employability, calling for strong interdepartmental collaboration.
“This project must succeed, and your leadership will be key in driving it forward,” he told the incoming PS.
He further called for swift preparations for the upcoming National Youth Council elections, pointing to the need for meaningful participation from village to national levels.
“We need vibrant representation, not just in politics, but in policy and governance,” Mvurya added.
He also called for seamless synergy between youth affairs and sports, particularly in areas like film, enterprise, and talent development.
Taking office the same day, Jacobs pledged a leadership style anchored in collaboration, openness, and empathy.
In his maiden address, he emphasized that the success or failure of departmental initiatives reflects beyond the ministry, ultimately impacting the Presidency.
“When we succeed, the Presidency shines even brighter,” said Jacobs.
“The goal is to help the State Department move forward and that starts with creating a platform that supports your programs and unlocks youth potential,” he added.
He described Kenya’s youth as a resilient, yet underserved majority brimming with potential, calling for leadership that combines professionalism with humanity.
“We are dealing with a delicate population. Professionalism alone, without a touch of humanity, may not be enough,” he noted
“That’s the kind of energy I want to bring partnering with your experience to ignite the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” he said.
Jacobs reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with staff, encouraging continuous engagement through individual and group briefings to ensure the department’s smooth transition into a more impactful and inclusive future.
By Joan Ogolla
