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By Gideon Mutembei
Nairobi, Kenya: Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya has called on Kenyan youth to remain proactive, focused, and peaceful, urging them to reject incitement to violence by political or self-serving actors.
Speaking while officiating the opening of the 8th Kenya Institute of Public Policy Analysis and Research (KIPPRA) Annual Regional Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, the CS emphasized that the youth’s energy and creativity are critical for innovation, enterprise, and nation-building, not unrest.
“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, tap into the vast opportunities available and become ambassadors of peace, innovation, and progress. Kenya needs your leadership—not in chaos, but in creativity and constructive engagement,” he stated.
The CS affirmed that the government has intensified efforts to implement youth-centered interventions, empowering young people as key drivers of economic transformation. Aligned with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), various ministries have rolled out programs addressing skills gaps, employment, access to capital, and inclusion.
“As a Ministry, we are fast-tracking these programs to ensure meaningful youth participation,” he added.
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted was the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, implemented in partnership with the World Bank. Targeting over 800,000 vulnerable youth across all 47 counties, NYOTA provides entrepreneurship training, access to credit, mentorship, and pathways to sustainable employment, fostering long-term resilience and economic empowerment.
Additionally, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund has disbursed KES 1.24 billion in loans to more than 95,000 youth entrepreneurs, enabling business growth and participation in the Labour Mobility Programme.
On the Creative Economy, the CS underscored the ongoing rollout of Studio Mashinani projects, offering youth in film, music, and arts platforms to hone and monetize their talents. He also noted progress in reviewing key legislative frameworks, including the Youth Policy, Creative Economy Bill, and Sports Bill, which will formalize and strengthen youth-focused programming.
“Through these frameworks, we can unlock the full potential of young people—transforming their talents into economic assets that uplift their lives, communities, and Kenya at large,” he concluded.
