Advancing Youth Leadership and Civic Inclusion: Dr. Idris Dokota Joins Launch of the KYAF Strategic Plan 2025–2030 in Mombasa
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, joined youth leaders, policymakers, and development partners for the official launch of the Kenya Youth Assembly Forum (KYAF) Strategic Plan 2025–2030 in Mombasa County.
The event, also attended by the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, CEO of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), and senior government officials, marked a defining moment in Kenya’s journey toward strengthening youth leadership, civic participation, and inclusion in governance and development. The KYAF Strategic Plan 2025–2030 is a landmark document that lays out a bold roadmap for empowering young Kenyans to actively participate in leadership, decision-making, and sustainable national development. Developed through a youth-led and inclusive process anchored in the Youth Assembly Model, the plan envisions a generation of informed, empowered, and innovative young citizens driving Kenya’s transformation.
In his address, Dr. Dokota commended KYAF’s visionary leadership and its commitment to advancing youth inclusion at both national and county levels. He applauded the consultative and participatory approach that guided the formulation of the plan, aligning it with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya Vision 2030. “We are honoured to partner with the youth in shaping Kenya’s future. The KYAF Strategic Plan is not just a document — it is a living commitment to ensure that young people are seen, heard, and meaningfully engaged in the governance and development of our nation,” said Dr. Dokota.
The PS called for the full implementation of the KYAF Strategic Plan across all counties, emphasizing the importance of partnerships among the national and county governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. He noted that the plan’s objectives align with Kenya’s broader agenda of inclusivity, innovation, and shared prosperity. The KYAF Strategic Plan 2025–2030 seeks to, equip young people with leadership, governance, and civic engagement skills through the Youth Assembly Model, promoting participatory decision-making, mentorship, and accountability, promote inclusivity and innovation in governance and public policy by ensuring that youth perspectives inform development priorities at both national and county levels, address critical challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, drug and substance abuse, and mental health, and strengthen partnerships and networks that foster inter-generational dialogue, entrepreneurship, and youth-led innovation in science, technology, and industry (STI).
Dr. Dokota reaffirmed that empowering youth remains a central pillar of Kenya’s socio-economic agenda, and highlighted the complementary role of the NYOTA Programme a transformative initiative by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank, which is currently rolling out nationwide.
The NYOTA Programme, valued at KSh 5 billion, is supporting over 100,000 youth through skills training, enterprise development, and a KSh 50,000 start-up grant for each beneficiary. The programme embodies a whole-of-government approach to youth empowerment, focusing on skills acquisition, innovation, and job creation. “We cannot build a resilient and prosperous Kenya without fully investing in our youth. Initiatives like KYAF and NYOTA speak to the same vision a Kenya where every young person has the capacity, confidence, and opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national transformation,” Dr. Dokota added.
He further urged the youth to leverage ongoing government initiatives such as Ajira Digital, Hustler Fund, Jitume Labs, Kazi Mtaani, and the Affordable Housing Programme, noting that these programmes are designed to expand opportunities for youth and women across all sectors.
PS Dokota also underscored the vital role of science, research, and innovation as engines for job creation and national competitiveness. He highlighted Kenya’s Blue Economy, valued at approximately KSh 178 billion per year and contributing 2.5% of GDP, as a key area where youth can harness opportunities through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. “Mombasa is uniquely positioned to lead in blue economy innovation. Our young people must tap into this potential from marine research to sustainable fisheries and tourism and build enterprises that drive coastal and national development,” he remarked.
Dr. Dokota extended his appreciation to KYAF President Ali Sudi, the Board, and all youth representatives for their dedication and leadership, describing the Strategic Plan as a call to action for the nation to stand with its youth and invest in their dreams. “The KYAF Strategic Plan reminds us that the strength of our nation lies in the creativity, courage, and commitment of its young people. Together, we can unlock opportunities and build an innovative, resilient Kenya,” he concluded.
The launch brought together youth representatives, county officials, and development partners who pledged to support the implementation of the Plan through funding, mentorship, and collaborative programming. As Kenya advances toward a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, the KYAF Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and complementary programmes such as NYOTA reaffirm the government’s unwavering dedication to nurturing a generation of empowered, engaged, and transformative young leaders.