PS Teresia Mbaika Urges Youth to Embrace Devolution Opportunities

Principal Secretary for Devolution, Teresia Mbaika, has called on Kenyan youth to actively participate in the country’s devolution drive, highlighting the numerous opportunities it offers for national development.

Speaking at the Youth Devolution Festival held at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, where over 1,500 youth from all 47 counties were in attendance, Mbaika emphasized the importance of structured engagement between the youth and the government.

“Devolution provides immense opportunities for all Kenyans. If there is one area where we must actively participate, it is in the devolution space. We can all enjoy the benefits of devolution from wherever we are,” Mbaika stated.

She urged the youth to avoid being perceived as “formless and faceless” and instead to organize themselves for meaningful participation.

“The current government is eager to engage young people. Let us interact in a structured way. We want a youth that is organized and can be taken seriously as a vital participant in this country’s development,” she added.

Also present at the event was Nandi County Woman Representative, Muge Cynthia Chepkosgei, who lauded the youth for their initiative and underscored the critical role of devolution in empowering young people.

Nandi County Woman Representative, Muge Cynthia Chepkosgei

“Devolution is an integral component of this country, and we must make concerted efforts to ensure it works for the youth, with the youth, and through the youth,” Chepkosgei said.

She pledged her support in amplifying youth voices and ensuring their ideas contribute to the country’s development.

“As a representative, I will ensure that the youth of Kenya not only feel included but that their thoughts and opinions are acted upon for the betterment of the country as a whole,” she affirmed.

Chepkosgei also called on Kenyans to play an active role in ending gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that it is a societal issue affecting everyone.

“Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue; it affects both men and women. As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, let us take collective responsibility to address this issue. GBV benefits no one. It tears families apart and disrupts communities,” she noted.

She urged individuals to adopt non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and to work together to eliminate GBV.

The festival highlighted the crucial role of youth in advancing Kenya’s devolution agenda and fostering sustainable development.

Youth leaders in Kakamega County led by Conrad keya also spoke passionately about the role of young people in tackling these issues. 

He echoed the need for greater inclusion of youth in leadership, governance, and social initiatives. 

“We call for stronger support from both the government and the private sector to ensure that the voices of the youth are not only heard but actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future,” he said.