New Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Assumes Office
Newly appointed PS Fikirini Jacob’s (centre) and Outgoing PS Ismael Madey ( left) during handing over ceremony.
The newly appointed Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy has officially taken office, succeeding outgoing Principal Secretary (PS) Ismael Madey.
The handover ceremony was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Salim Mvurya, and witnessed by a high-profile delegation including Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, Youth Fund Chairperson Fatuma Barayan, as well as CEOs, departmental heads, and senior ministry officials.
In his remarks during the handing over ceremony the new PS expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Madey and the entire team for their service and dedication.
He affirmed her commitment to championing youth empowerment through collaboration, innovation, and a whole-of-government approach aimed at unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s youth and fostering a dynamic creative economy.
CS Mvurya Commits to Youth Empowerment Through Innovation, Coordination, and Opportunity Access
Outgoing PS Madey (right),Youth Affairs,Sports and Creative Economy CS Salim Mvurya ( centre) and Incoming PS Fikirini Jacob’s ( left).
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Creative Economy, Salim Mvurya, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive and innovative environment for youth development across Kenya.
Speaking during the witnessing of the handing over meeting with ministry officials and stakeholders, CS Mvurya highlighted the strategic direction his ministry is taking to ensure young people are not only part of the national conversation but also equipped to drive Kenya’s transformation agenda.
“I wish to sincerely thank all directors, CEOs, and stakeholders present today. I was scheduled to join you earlier but was held up in an emergency meeting addressing matters of space infrastructure and inter-agency coordination, particularly in light of developments in the Netherlands and the broader ecosystem including finance,” said CS Mvurya.
The CS paid special tribute to the Principal Secretary for Special Programs (PSPK), praising his leadership and dedication to cultural development and comprehensive government initiatives.
“PSPK is a highly distinguished and humble public servant who has greatly contributed to the growth of his department. I thank His Excellency the President for entrusting him with a vital and expansive docket. We look forward to partnering in cross-cutting programs that require whole-of-government approaches,” he added.
Mvurya further acknowledged the efforts of Principal Secretaries Kumandi and Kilini and expressed optimism about collaborative engagement within the cabinet and across departments. He emphasized that youth development must be central to Kenya’s policy agenda.
“Our youth represent not just the future but the present. With their technical skills, creativity, and innovation potential, our role as government is to cultivate environments that enable them to thrive economically, socially, and in governance,” said the CS.
He reiterated President William Ruto’s directive to integrate youth into leadership and policymaking, stressing the importance of mentorship and capacity building.
“We must move beyond token youth inclusion to actual leadership and empowerment. That’s the charge we have been given.”CS Mvurya also noted the vital link between youth affairs and sports, underscoring the need for seamless coordination between departments, especially as most of the youth population is engaged in sports.
He cited recent efforts through the Wazo Youth Engagement Forums held in Goma and Akwene, with upcoming sessions planned in Yaku and eventually transitioning to the Kikau model, which aims to strengthen the connection between youth and available opportunities.
“Often, opportunities exist, but they’re not aligned with the right people. Our forums bridge that gap, bringing together sports, enterprise, and creativity under one umbrella,” he said.
CS Mvurya pledged full support to all departments and agencies working towards youth empowerment, calling for synergy to ensure meaningful impact across all sectors.
