On Tuesday, 12th August 2025, Kakamega County pulsed with energy, colour, and optimism as hundreds of young Kenyans gathered to mark International Youth Day. This year’s theme — “Local Youth Actions for SDGs and Beyond” — was more than a slogan. It was an urge
On Tuesday, 12th August 2025, Kakamega County pulsed with energy, colour, and optimism as hundreds of young Kenyans gathered to mark International Youth Day. This year’s theme — “Local Youth Actions for SDGs and Beyond” — was more than a slogan. It was an urgent call for action in a year where economic challenges, climate impacts, and health crises are testing the resilience of our communities.
I attended the celebrations representing both the Organization of Africa Youth Kenya and the Kenya Youth Climate Advisory Council. Standing among fellow youth leaders, innovators, and activists, I could feel the heartbeat of a generation determined not to wait for change — but to create it.
The President’s Commitments: Promise and Potential
President William Ruto’s keynote address placed youth at the centre of Kenya’s transformation agenda. His announcements included:
- Youth Enterprise Investment Bank – Ksh 9.75 billion in capital to fund youth-led businesses through affordable loans, credit guarantees, and mentorship.
- NYOTA Programme – Starting September, 70 youth per ward will receive Ksh 50,000 each to kickstart enterprises, paired with financial literacy training.
- Education-to-Employment Pathways – Massive investments in education (Ksh 650 billion annually) linked to targeted job creation, including hiring 100,000 teachers.
These commitments, if implemented inclusively and transparently, have the potential to unlock the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship of millions of young Kenyans.
The Reality on the Ground
While the announcements drew applause, conversations with fellow attendees reminded me of the gap between policy and lived reality.
In rural Kakamega, young people spoke of the difficulty in accessing credit, especially without collateral. Climate-smart innovators in agriculture said they struggle to reach markets or access quality inputs. Health volunteers pointed to the urgent need for resources to respond to climate-linked health challenges like malaria surges and waterborne diseases.
These voices underline a truth we cannot ignore: money alone is not enough. We need systems that ensure every youth — whether in Nairobi or Busia, Turkana or Lamu — can access opportunities, build skills, and contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient, healthy communities.
Climate, Health, and Youth: The Intersection We Cannot Overlook
Youth empowerment isn’t just about jobs. It’s about giving young people the means to address the challenges that define our generation — climate change, public health threats, and environmental degradation.
When a young farmer uses NYOTA funding to install drip irrigation, they are not just running a business — they are safeguarding water resources and boosting food security.
When a youth-led group trains peers on clean energy solutions, they are cutting emissions and reducing household health risks.
Economic empowerment and climate resilience are not separate conversations — they are the same fight for our future.
A Call to Action
The 2025 International Youth Day was a reminder that youth are not waiting to be invited to the table — we are building our own. But for Kenya’s transformation agenda to succeed, the following must be non-negotiable:
- Equitable access to financing and resources for all youth, especially in rural and marginalized areas.
- Skills alignment with real market and community needs.
- Youth participation in the design, monitoring, and accountability of government programs.
At the Kenya Youth Climate Advisory Council and Organization of Africa Youth Kenya, we remain committed to pushing for policies that centre youth voices and youth-led solutions in climate action, health systems strengthening, and sustainable development.
Kenya’s future is already here. It’s young, bold, and ready to lead.
By Vallary Ochieng – Organizing Secretary, Kenya Youth Climate Advisory Council; Member, Organization of Africa Youth Kenya
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