A section of university student leaders from Nyanza has commended President William Ruto for his recent cabinet reshuffle and appointments, citing a commitment to inclusivity and youth representation in governance.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, March 27, in Kisumu, student leaders praised the government’s broad-based approach, emphasizing its role in ensuring diverse representation across different sectors.
Ben Aende, one of the student leaders, lauded both President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for entrusting young leaders with national positions. He specifically celebrated the appointment of Jacob Fikirini as the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, saying the move marks a milestone in Generation Z’s representation in government.
“We are students from universities in the Nyanza region, and today, we stand in full support of our own Hon. Jacob Fikirini as the new Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports. We appreciate the efforts of H.E. President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in establishing a broad-based government that prioritizes inclusivity. Fikirini’s leadership journey, from Pwani University to Maasai Mara University, and later serving in various youth leadership capacities, makes him the right person for the job,” Aende stated.
Bonface Ouma, the student leaders’ spokesperson in the region, described Fikirini as a visionary young leader whose elevation serves as an inspiration to millions of Kenyan youth. He emphasized that the appointment reaffirms the government’s dedication to harnessing the potential of young people in national development.
“As student leaders from Nyanza, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to President Ruto and Raila Odinga for advocating for a government that accommodates youth representation in leadership. The appointment of PS Jacob Fikirini is a testament to this commitment. His background and experience prove that when given the opportunity, young leaders can make significant contributions to Kenya’s growth and governance,” Ouma remarked.
He further urged the government to strengthen youth-oriented policies by supporting student-led initiatives, funding university projects and research, and ensuring that higher education ideas translate into impactful national programs. Additionally, Ouma called for reforms in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), including the appointment of a youth representative to advocate for timely and sufficient disbursements to prevent financial hardships among students.
“We strongly advocate for increased youth representation in key sectors, especially those affecting university students. The government should prioritize a framework that supports student projects, strengthens HELB disbursement, and provides a structured plan to implement university-driven innovations that create job opportunities,” he added.
The student leaders reiterated their support for the government’s efforts in youth empowerment and urged continued collaboration to address challenges facing young people in education, governance, and economic opportunities.
