By Bob Amalemba
KAKAMEGA, Kenya – August 12, 2025
Kakamega County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi has challenged young people to take charge of shaping the future of the county and the country, calling on them to rise from the grassroots and lead change.
In a statement to newsrooms marking International Youth Day, Namatsi said the youth’s “vibrant energy, creativity, and resilience” are critical to achieving sustainable development. This year’s theme — Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond — he said, underlined the fact that progress begins in local communities, driven by engaged and empowered young people.
“The future of Kakamega and Kenya lies in the hands of empowered young people who are ready to lead change from the grassroots,” Namatsi said.
He reaffirmed the County Assembly’s commitment to policies that give young people a bigger voice, promote innovation, and widen opportunities in education, employment, and leadership.
“Let this day be a call to action for every young person to rise, participate, and shape the destiny of our county and our nation,” he said.
Namatsi closed with a direct appeal to Kakamega’s youth: “Your dreams matter, your ideas count, and your time is now.”
His statement, released as national and county leaders gathered at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology for the official International Youth Day celebrations, placed the spotlight on inclusivity and practical opportunities rather than ceremonial rhetoric.
National Push for Youth Empowerment
President William Ruto, the chief guest at the celebrations, underscored that Kenya’s greatest resource is its young population. He described the youth as “the single most decisive force that will shape Kenya’s destiny” and announced a KSh 20 billion economic empowerment plan.
The programme, set to benefit 70 youth per ward — around 110,000 across the country — will offer KSh 50,000 startup grants alongside training to equip beneficiaries with entrepreneurial skills. Ruto said the first batch of 54,000 youths will begin receiving funds and training next month, noting that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader jobs and economic transformation agenda.
County Leadership’s Role
Governor Fernandes Barasa, who hosted the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development. He said Kakamega County is investing in skills training, sports, and innovation hubs to ensure young people are active participants in economic growth. Barasa also emphasised collaboration between county and national governments to unlock opportunities for the youth.
Youth at the Heart of Change
While the day featured high-profile announcements from the President and Governor, Namatsi’s targeted message stood out for its focus on legislative backing and community-level engagement. His assurance of policy support signals a potential shift toward institutionalising youth participation in governance — moving beyond one-off grants to long-term structural inclusion.
For Kakamega’s young population, which makes up more than 70 percent of the county’s residents, the Speaker’s pledge could mean a greater say in decisions affecting education, job creation, and social development.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to recognise the role of youth in building sustainable societies. In Kenya, where unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges, the event has become a platform for both celebration and candid dialogue on the obstacles young people face.