Fikirini Jacobs

Principal Secretary- State Department for Youth Affairs & Creative Economy- KENYA 🇰🇪| Political Philosopher | Revolutionary |Christian | | #TutafikaPale.Viva!

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

EVEN IN YOUR DEATH, I WILL LIVE TO THANK YOU BABA: A PERSONAL STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MY POLITICAL FATHER FIGURE & MENTOR— THE RIGHT HONOURABLE RAILA AMOLO ODINGA.

Today, Kenya mourns the loss of a man whose voice shaped our democracy, a nationalist par excellence whose vision gave meaning to our politics, The Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga. His passing leaves a silence that words can barely fill, for Baba was more than a leader—he was a living institution of courage, conviction, and compassion.

To me, BABA’s death is not just a national tragedy, it is deeply personal. He was my mentor, my political guide, and a father figure who believed in nurturing others to rise beyond themselves. Baba saw promise even in the uncertain, and gave direction to those still defining their path — I was proudly one of them; the last born.

My journey in public service stands as an enduring reflection of his influence. From my early days as a university student leader, when I was still discovering my voice, Baba took me under his wing, guiding, advising, and nurturing my leadership path. He was my ultimate party leader, and through his example, I learned that politics must always be grounded in justice, integrity, and service to the common mwananchi.

His trust in me was both humbling and transformative. From the honour of being placed on the ODM Senate Nomination Party List in 2022 to his continued mentorship that led me to my current role as Principal Secretary, Baba’s confidence in my potential shaped my entire trajectory. Every milestone in my career bears the imprint of his faith, his wisdom, and his boundless belief in the promise of the next generation. He was, and will forever remain, my political compass.

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s life was a story of defiance and duty, a relentless pursuit of freedom, fairness, and dignity for every Kenyan. His sacrifices opened doors that generations will continue to walk through. His was a heart that bled for Kenya, and a spirit that refused to give up on her.

To Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, I offer my most sincere condolences. May you find comfort in knowing that Baba’s name will forever be etched in the conscience of our nation, a name that inspired, liberated, and united millions.

Rest in perfect revolutionary power, Baba. Your legacy is not written in stone, but in the hearts of those you lifted. We will carry your dream forward, with gratitude, fidelity, and faith in the Kenya you imagined.

BABA, even in your death, I will live to thank you.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

The Senate plays a vital role in overseeing Ministries and Government agencies while promoting accountability and ensuring that policies and programmes respond to the needs of Kenyans.

Earlier today I accompanied my Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya during the Senate Mashinani sitting at the Kilifi County Assembly where he was invited in accordance with the Constitution to respond to questions on youth empowerment mental health and sports.

The Senate Mashinani initiative brings Parliament closer to the people by strengthening grassroots oversight and promoting public participation. It also fosters collaboration between the Senate and county governments while creating awareness of the Senate’s constitutional mandate to represent counties and protect devolution.

As the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy we remain committed to working with Parliament and other stakeholders to advance youth empowerment strengthen opportunities for young people and drive the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

With 75.1% of Kenya’s population below 35 and a median age of 20, deliberate investment in knowledge, education and awareness is an investment in our future.

This afternoon at Umma University, Kajiado County, hosted by VC Dr. Halima Abdillahi, I joined the EACC team led by Vice Chairperson Dr. Monicah Muiru for a youth engagement forum under the Campus Edition of the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF).

We agree that corruption is not our culture. Integrity is our future.

For God & Country.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

I had the pleasure of presenting the Youth Development programs across all government MDAs before the 15th Development Partnership Forum (DPF) convened by H.E the Deputy President Prof. @_KithureKindiki and co-chaired by Amb. Sebastian Growth (Germany) and Dr. Garry Conille (UN).

A report jointly produced by ILO and World Bank titled “Impact of Active Labour Market Programmes on Youth” shows that such programs have a bigger return on investment.

It’s against this backdrop that it is imperative to treat expenditure on youth interventions as an economic investment rather than simply a social expenditure. For our country where the Median age of the population is 20 years, the returns on investment in youth related programmes is extremely huge. NYOTA is one strong case of this trend.

I am excited by the priority given to Youth Empowerment Centers, Skills Development, Entrepreneurship, Digital, Creative and Blue Economies, MSME and trade as the BETA initiatives that puts the youth of our country at the center of individual and collective growth.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

Both soft and technical skills play a major role in the personal and professional development of young people worldwide. With expanded industrialisation and technological advances, we are positioning Kenyan youth to be suitably qualified and ready for the opportunities of the future.

Today marked the graduation of 2,600 young people from all wards of Kilifi County under the NYOTA On-the-Job Experience (OJE) programme, also marking the completion of graduations for 90,000 OJE beneficiaries across the country.

The graduates will now undertake five months of work-based training with Employer Organisations and Master Craftsmen, receiving a monthly stipend of KSh 6,000, before technical skills assessment and certification by NITA.

Under the leadership of H.E. President @WilliamsRuto , the Government of Kenya remains committed to expanding opportunities for young people and equipping them with the skills and experience needed to secure employment.

Earlier today at Karisa Maitha grounds in Kilifi, I joined Waziri Salim Mvurya EGH, the Chief Guest alongside H.E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Governor of Kilifi County, Hon. Kenneth Tungule, Hon. Owen Yaa, Hon. Kenga Mupe, Hon. Paul Katana, Mr. Augustine Mayabi, National Project Manager NYOTA, Ms Gloria Wawira CEO NYC, several MCAs and other invited guests for the graduation of NYOTA beneficiaries from Kilifi County.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

The continued reforms in the police service have continued to benefit young people who, at different levels, join the service and take up the responsibility of serving our nation.

Earlier today at the National Police College, Embakasi, Nairobi, I accompanied H.E. President @WilliamsRuto , PhD, CGH, at the 59th Passing-Out Parade for 5080 Administration Police recruits who are part of the 10,000 youth who were recently recruited. The event took place at the National Police College, Embakasi, Nairobi.

It was inspiring to witness thousands of young Kenyans graduate and embrace the noble responsibility of public service through the National Police Service.

The occasion was a powerful reminder of the important role young people play as active participants, contributors and partners in advancing Kenya’s development agenda. Beyond employment opportunities, service in the National Police Service provides our youth with an opportunity to contribute directly to the safety, security and progress of our country.

Congratulations to all the recruits on this important milestone. I wish you every success as you undertake your duties with discipline, integrity, professionalism and an unwavering respect for the rights and dignity of every citizen.

[UNDP Kenya @UNDPKenya]

A strategic step forward for Youth Employment in Kenya.

@UNDPKenya Resident Representative @JLStalon met with the Principal Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports @fikirini_jacobs to kickstart the next phase of the #NextGenKe programme.

By aligning national priorities with private sector expertise, we are scaling sustainable job opportunities and equipping young Kenyans to thrive in the modern economy.

@moyasa_ke #YouthEmpowerment

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

At the Kenya School of Government, Nairobi, today, I hosted a consultative meeting bringing together County Commissioners, County Executive Committee Members (CECs) responsible for Youth Affairs, Regional Youth Coordinators and County Youth Directors.

The meeting brought together national and county government leaders to strengthen coordination towards a credible, inclusive and transparent National Youth Council electoral process.

After 14 years, we have a historic opportunity to restore the National Youth Council as a strong platform for youth representation, leadership and meaningful participation in national affairs.

I insist that there is no “National Government youth” or “County Government youth.” There are simply young Kenyans whom we are entrusted to serve. Our responsibility is to ensure every young Kenyan is informed, included and empowered to participate.

I also officially launched the National Youth Council Elections Portal being “https://t.co/4YcRHj8Z4W” providing a secure digital platform for eligible young Kenyans to register as voters and submit their nominations.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

“Where there is no vision, people perish.” This scripture, pointed out to us by Archbishop Mark Kariuki at the launch of the National Conversation on Kenya beyond 2030 which coincides with the International Youth Day, prepares the ground for a comprehensive public participation on the next face of Kenya. With demographic shifts and social change, the future of Kenya will largely depend on the vision, focus, inclusion and commitment of the young people. We are happy that we are part of this discussion today.

At KICC , Nairobi where I joined H.E President @WilliamsRuto , Vision 2030 Secretariat, Senior Government officials, Youth, women, children, private sector, church and generally Kenyan community members for the inauguration of national conversation on the next Kenya.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

I had the honour of responding to an invitation from my colleague, PS Dr. Boniface Makhoha of the State Department for Economic Planning, to join fellow Principal Secretaries, senior government officials, and the Vision 2030 team in a multi-stakeholder committee supporting preparations for Kenya’s next long-term development vision beyond Vision 2030.

The process will culminate in a national conversation on 12th August 2026, bringing together government, industry, academia, youth, civil society, and other stakeholders to help shape the country’s next development blueprint. Described by H.E. Dr. @WilliamsRuto as “the most consequential national conversation since the adoption of the Constitution in 2010,” it marks an important step in defining Kenya’s future beyond Vision 2030.

I look forward to having young people contribute to this important national endeavour.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

A great and fruitful day at Mitangani Secondary School in Bamba as we joined the community, teachers, and students for a fundraiser in support of the education of 301 orphaned children.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

Thank you to everyone who generously offered their support and contributed to this worthy cause. Your kindness and generosity are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.

Together, we can continue to give hope, restore dignity, and build a brighter future for every child.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

LONG-TERM PLANNING: A NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON KENYA’S FUTURE — INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026

When Kenya’s third President, the late H.E. Mwai Kibaki, launched Kenya Vision 2030, the ambition was clear from the outset; to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income nation that provides a high quality of life for all its citizens by the year 2030. The Vision was designed to be implemented through successive five-year Medium-Term Plans, each building on the achievements of its predecessor while responding to emerging national and global realities. Today, Kenya is implementing the Fourth Medium-Term Plan.

In his address yesterday, H.E. President @WilliamsRuto reflected on the progress made through the Medium-Term Plans, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the country’s current development trajectory. One message stood out clearly, Kenya has reached a defining moment. The rapidly evolving global geopolitical and economic environment, coupled with changing demographic trends, makes it imperative for the country to begin a national conversation on what comes after Vision 2030.

Africa is the youngest continent in the world, and Kenya stands at the heart of this demographic advantage, with approximately 75.1% of its population below the age of 35. This is not only one of our greatest assets but also one of our greatest responsibilities. As we look beyond 2030, we must begin shaping a new national vision, one that sets clear priorities, defines measurable outcomes, and provides a practical roadmap for sustainable economic growth, social transformation, and shared prosperity. Such a vision must inspire both individual and collective action as we chart the country’s next chapter.

I commend H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto for recognizing the importance of long-term national planning. Nations that achieve sustained progress are guided by clear visions, measurable targets, sound policies, and consistent implementation. National development cannot be left to chance; it demands deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and collective commitment.

As we reflect on our own journey, we should also be willing to learn from the experiences of other nations. Countries such as Zimbabwe, despite enduring prolonged periods of economic decline, have in recent years undertaken significant efforts toward economic recovery. Their experience demonstrates that renewal is possible when nations confront difficult realities with courage, honest dialogue, and practical solutions.

For this reason, I am particularly encouraged that this national conversation will take place on 12th August: International Youth Day 2026. It is fitting that the generation which will inherit the next chapter of Kenya’s development should be at the centre of shaping it. The future of our nation will be determined by the ideas, innovation, enterprise, and leadership of its young people. This conversation must therefore go beyond reflecting on where we have come from; it must boldly define where we are going, the kind of nation we aspire to become, and the collective actions required to get there.

#RuthlessFocus!
#ForGodAndCountry!

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

Elvis Otieno “BEAST” was an astute, strong, ruthlessly focused, and indefatigable student leader whose life embodied courage, service, and unwavering dedication to student leadership. Though elected to lead at a university on the periphery, he earned the respect and admiration of student leaders across the country through his exemplary service.

On behalf of H.E. President @WilliamsRuto, I conveyed his heartfelt condolences and presented his contribution to support the family during the requiem Mass held in Elvis’ honour at the Technical University of Mombasa.

It was inspiring to join hundreds of current and former student leaders, comrades, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo, in celebrating a life of purpose and impact.

As a lifelong comrade and a former University student leader of two Universities, I was honoured to stand with fellow comrades in giving one of our own. We celebrate BEAST’s courage, leadership, and enduring legacy.

Rest in Power, Comrade BEAST. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

There is only one Kenyan youth. By strengthening collaboration between the National and County Governments, we can enhance coordination, eliminate duplication of efforts, and deliver greater impact for every young person.

Today, under the Whole-of-Government approach, I hosted all 47 County Commissioners, County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) responsible for Youth Affairs, Regional Youth Coordinators, and County Directors of Youth Affairs at the Kenya School of Government for a consultative forum on the national youth agenda.

Our discussions focused on the rollout of the remaining components of the NYOTA Programme, including the On-the-Job Experience (OJE), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and Youth Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (Y-AGPO).

As we prepare to mark International Youth Day on 12th August, we also reviewed plans for the National Youth Week and the build-up activities leading to the national celebrations at Chuka University. Additionally, we sensitized participants on the upcoming National Youth Council (NYC) elections, which have been gazetted to take place from 6th to 30th October.

Under the leadership of H.E. President Dr. @WilliamsRuto CGH, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering young people through coordinated investments in skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.

I also acknowledge the representation of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, by the Principal Administrative Secretary, Ms Beverly Opwora.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

I was honored to join H.E. President @WilliamsRuto at State House, Nairobi, for the launch of the Next Generation Kenya Youth Employment Program, a transformative initiative that adds to the growing number of opportunities being created by the Government of Kenya in partnership with development partners led by the UNDP and the private sector.

Over the years, too many talented and resourceful young people have missed out on meaningful opportunities because of inadequate requisite work experience. This program, which aims to benefit 100,000 young people over the next three years, is designed to bridge the gap between potential and sustainable employment opportunities by equipping youth with practical experience, skills, and pathways into the world of work.

This initiative adds to the list of our testament to our shared commitment to empowering Kenya’s youth, unlocking their potential, and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for our country.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

I was honoured to join H.E. President @WilliamsRuto during a meeting with Ms Victoria Oakley, CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) largely handling music recordings world over.

I am delighted that our reforms in the creative economy sector has attracted the attention of giant companies and particularly elated by the decision by Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music Groups to establish operations in Nairobi. This is major boost for Kenya’s music industry and a strong vote of confidence in our creative talent.

The Government of Kenya remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment in the creative economy sector through protecting intellectual property, curbing piracy and strengthening copyright laws. We are committed to supporting the growth of a globally competitive creative economy.

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

Appreciations to you all for taking your time and crafting very kind and heartfelt messages to me on my birthday. Ahsanteni sana. Appreciated 🙏

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

Wishing myself boundless happiness, unwavering self-belief, and the courage to keeping the ruthless FOCUS this year! Happy birthday to me!

[Fikirini Jacobs @fikirini_jacobs]

The partnership between the experienced and the energetic feeds directly into nationalism. I am humbled by the mentorship, guidance and support from the Late Raila Odinga and H.E William Ruto. This is for God and Country!