Kenyan DP Kindiki Pledges Youth Empowerment as Government Commits to Jobs, Education, and Accountability

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting young people, stating clearly that the administration is not against the youth but rather stands with them as partners in building a better Kenya. Speaking during a consultative forum with youth from Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties at Mukothima in Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki acknowledged the growing concerns and demands raised by young people and promised responsive, inclusive policies.

What is the government doing to address youth concerns?

“We are not an enemy of the young people; we believe the young people are the future of the nation. The hope of the nation, the hope of any country is the strength, the focus, energy, talent, and the innovation of its young people,” said DP Kindiki.

In response to recent youth-led protests calling for accountability and better governance, the Deputy President emphasized that their message had been received. He committed to intensifying the fight against corruption and building systems that inspire confidence among the younger generation.

“When young people insist on a better country, we hear, understand, and agree with you. We will be firm in the fight against corruption and set a good example for you and the generations to come,” he added.

Which youth empowerment programs are currently active?

To create opportunities and reduce unemployment, the government has rolled out the National Youth Opportunities towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. This initiative aims to fund micro and small enterprises, particularly at the grassroots. Additionally, the intake into TVETs and TTIs has increased significantly over the last three years.

Other programs such as Kazi kwa Ground, Kazi Majuu, and Kazi Mtandaoni are actively engaging thousands of youth across the country, offering them income and skill-building opportunities.

“We have a responsibility to support you to succeed, have a good education, and nurture a good life. We owe you a better country, we owe you better management of our resources, so we hand you a better country,” Kindiki noted.

How is the government reforming education and regional infrastructure?

DP Kindiki confirmed ongoing efforts to transform the education sector. The government aims to make education more affordable, relevant, and responsive to modern needs.

“We are committed to reforming our education to make it better and produce all-around individuals who can take on the world. We are reforming, fine-tuning it to make it work better. We are looking at education holistically. We want it to be accessible, affordable, quality, and relevant so we don’t teach things of the 16th century in the 21st century,” he said.

On infrastructure, he reaffirmed that the government had allocated KSh 1 billion for the construction of the Nithi Bridge, a project intended to reduce road fatalities and enhance regional connectivity. The ground-breaking ceremony is expected soon.

Kindiki concluded by urging the youth to exercise their rights peacefully:
“You are at liberty to ask questions, to demand accountability, law and order, but kindly do so in a manner that doesn’t injure the rights and liberties of others. Please do not use this chance of exercising your rights to burn the country because there will be no other country for you.”

His message was clear: Kenya’s youth are central to national development, and the government is ready to walk the journey with them.

By Lucky Anyanje