UDA national youth Leader Kariuki Ngunjiri in a meeting with President William Ruto/HANDOUTUDA national youth Leader Kariuki Ngunjiri has called on youth to seize opportunities unveiled by President William Ruto during International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega on Tuesday.
In a statement issued following the event, Ngunjiri praised the government’s renewed focus on youth empowerment, urging young people across the country to shift their energy toward shaping the future they want.
“This is my call to all Kenyan youth in the nine corners of the country,” he said. “We celebrate the International Youth Day 2025 at a defining moment in Kenya, when the conversation within all state actors places a sharp focus on the place of the youth.”
Ngunjiri lauded the patriotic gesture shown by young people in rallying behind the national football team, Harambee Stars, during the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
He said their support reflected a renewed spirit of unity and national pride.
“I salute the patriotic spirit the Kenyan youth have shown thus far, sparking the most historic show of Kenyan unity. Because we are Kenyans — we are special and dynamic,” he said.
Speaking on the broader direction of youth engagement in the country, Ngunjiri expressed optimism about the increasing shift from protests and unrest to constructive participation in development and policy-making.
He encouraged a bipartisan mindset among young people in addressing challenges that cut across political divides.
“We must forge unity of purpose and take a bipartisan approach to issues affecting us all,” he stated. “The future of our youth matters more than anything else, and we must be ready to face the challenges ahead with courage.”
He emphasised that with determination and support, young people can work together to build a better future.
“With God’s providence, we can begin to figure out solutions and work hand-in-hand with every Kenyan of goodwill to achieve the grand dream — the Kenya we want to inherit from the current leadership.”
During the International Youth Day celebrations, President Ruto announced a flagship initiative that will provide startup capital of Sh50,000 to 100,000 young Kenyans beginning in September.
The programme is part of a broader youth economic transformation agenda aimed at tackling unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.
