Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured young Kenyans that the government is committed to engaging them constructively and addressing their concerns rather than sidelining them.
Speaking during the official closing of the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County on Friday, Kindiki acknowledged that the youth have repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the pace and efficiency of government programmes aimed at job creation and income generation. He admitted that integrity, transparency, and accountability remain central issues that must be addressed to rebuild trust.
“The young people of Kenya have expressed their reservations with the government’s speed and efficiency in executing the agenda for job creation and enhancement of income opportunities,” Kindiki said. “Tied to these reservations are concerns relating to integrity, particularly transparency and accountability, which must guide our actions.”
The 2025 DevCon, themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice”, placed a spotlight on youth participation. Kindiki commended the conference for dedicating space to youth dialogue, describing it as a vital foundation for regular engagement between government and young citizens.
He emphasized that the government will not dismiss grievances raised by the youth but instead create spaces for open dialogue and continuous consultation. Such platforms, he noted, will help bridge the trust gap between institutions and the country’s largest demographic group.
“There is a need for a greater level of engagement with the youth,” he said. “Securing spaces for dialogue and continuous consultation is paramount to reinstating trust in government institutions. This we must do in concert, not confrontation.”
Kindiki also underscored the importance of collaboration between leaders and young people in shaping policies and delivering innovative solutions to national challenges. He maintained that the government recognizes the youth as key drivers of Kenya’s social transformation and will ensure their voices influence the country’s development agenda.
The conference, which began on Tuesday, was opened by President William Ruto and featured a keynote address by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday.
