5,000 youths to benefit from National Youth Week, International Youth Day activities

The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National Youth Council, launched the National Youth Week in Kisumu on August 6, 2024.

This event, which leads up to International Youth Day on August 12, included regional activities in Eldoret, Murang’a, and Isiolo.

The theme for this year’s International Youth Day is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” aligning with the government’s Digital Superhighway initiative under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

National Youth Week, held from August 4 to 12, 2024, focused on five key areas: Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry.

These pillars were chosen to highlight the critical roles young people play in national development and global progress. Over 5,000 youth participated in the events, which aimed to foster informed, active, and empowered citizens.

As part of the International Youth Day celebrations, the government will launch policy briefs addressing the five key areas.

“These events are timely and pivotal, as we embrace the digital era. This year’s theme aligns with the Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the Kenya Kwanza Plan, emphasizing the digitization and automation of government services.” said Mombasa County Governor, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir

This initiative will not only enhance service delivery but also contribute significantly to the pillars of Health, Agriculture, MSMEs, and Financing, fostering a resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy for our youth. We are committed to empowering the youth and creating platforms where they can express their voices and contribute meaningfully to society.”

These briefs, developed with input from youth leaders and experts, will provide strategies and recommendations to support youth involvement in these sectors.

The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Ismail Maalim Madey, emphasized the importance of empowering youth and integrating digital technology to advance these goals.

“Digital tools have always acted as an enabler to innovate, connect, and lead efforts that drive sustainable development across these critical areas. We are cognisant that the future of our Nation lies in the hands of the Youth. Their energy, innovation, and determination will definitely shape the trajectory of our Country. Therefore, it is our duty, as enablers, to provide them with the platforms and opportunities, that they need to succeed,” said Madey

The National Youth Council’s CEO, Margaret Kiogora, called for collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and youth to drive these initiatives forward.

The policy briefs are intended to guide policymakers and institutions in creating environments where young people can thrive and lead in addressing national challenges.

“The aim is for them to serve as guiding documents for policymakers, institutions, and organizations to align their efforts with the aspirations and needs of our Youth as well as to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and lead.”

“We urge all stakeholders— government, private sector, civil society, and the Youth themselves—to collaborate with us, in driving the agenda of these five critical pillars to the next level. Together, we can create a better, more sustainable future for all.”