National Youth Week 2020 launched in Kajiado County

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia was today hosted by her cabinet colleague for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Mr. Joe Mucheru as she presided over the virtual launch of the National Youth Week 2020 in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.

In her remarks, Prof. Kobia commended Mr. Mucheru and his team for planning various week-long activities despite the prevailing COVID-19 challenges, to recognise the role of young people’s creativity, talent, resilience, innovation and energy in developing the nation.

Prof. Kobia pointed out that this year’s theme for International Youth Day which is “Youth Engagement for Global Action” is a call of action to consider the positive effects on the inclusion of youth in all spheres of life and to maximize their full potential locally and globally.

“The role played by the youth during Covid-19 pandemic in crafting and communicating credible public health information enhances trust in public institutions among their peers and younger Kenyans,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

She challenged the youth to take responsibility of their lives and destiny in today’s very competitive global environment as the government and private sector continue to provide diverse opportunities for their advantage.

Prof. Kobia also commended H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing seven young Chief Administrative Secretaries serving in various ministries noting that the appointments had placed young people at the core of Government’s decision making.

She lauded the youth-led community conversation dubbed ‘KIKAO’ noting that the platform has involved over 4,000 youth in the past one year in establishing instrumental networks for entrepreneurship initiatives and disseminating information on various topics.

The opportunities include: Affirmative Action Funds i.e. WEF, YEDF, UWEZO and NGAAF; AGPO, training opportunities under Ajira Digital and KYEOP among other initiatives.

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The week-long activities will include the launch of the Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019, the launch of Generation Unlimited Report (education, training and entrepreneurship) and the launch of Top 35 under 35 initiative.

Present at the virtual launch were: Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry, Mr. Keriako Tobiko; Governor of Kajiado County, Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku; and Principal Secretary Youth Affairs, Mr. Julius Korir among other distinguished guests and government officials.