Ruto graces PS Fikirini thanksgiving, praises his leadership qualities
By Cynthia Lodite, May 24, 2026President William Ruto has joined Kilifi residents for the thanksgiving of Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Sports, Jacob Fikirini, in the Bamba area, Kilifi County.
While making his address on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Ruto praised Fikirini’s commitment to leadership by biting the old-age narrative by rising to serve as a PS at a young age.
“Sio kawaida mtu kutoka hapa Bamba apate nafasi kwa ujana na umri wa Jacobs kuwa Principal Secretarty, Principal Secretary ni kazi ambayo hupatiwa baada ya miaka ishirini mtu kuwa mfanyikazi wa serikali,” Ruto said.
He went on to express his commitment to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s youth empowerment and inclusivity in leadership.
“It is our demonstration as an administration in the belief that young people can also make a useful and necessary contribution to the development of our nation,” Ruto added while praising Fikirini’s dedication to service.
The Head of State further vowed to continue mentoring Fikirini, taking over from the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who introduced him to mainstream politics
Fikirini’s rise to Youth PS
In 2025, President William Ruto reshuffled his government, promoting, reassigning, and appointing new members to the Cabinet. Among the beneficiaries was Fikirini Jacobs, a well-known Gen Z figure and youth advocate.
Fikirini was among the 14 nominated permanent secretaries, having been assigned the role of Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Sports.
Expressing his excitement over the appointment, Fikirini penned a message of gratitude to the president, thanking him for the opportunity and for placing trust in the youth.
”It is with great humility and profound appreciation that I accept my nomination by President Ruto, for the position of Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and for his confidence in my ability to contribute to the government’s transformative agenda,” Fikirini wrote.
“Our youth are the driving force of our country’s future, and I am eager to work alongside all stakeholders to create an environment that nurtures their talents, supports their ambitions, and opens doors to endless possibilities,” the appointed PS continued in the tweet.
He served as the Kilifi youth leader for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and was previously a student leader at Maasai Mara University and Pwani University.
In 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Pwani University. Since then, he has been actively involved in politics.
In addition, he served as the Director of the Governor’s Service Delivery Unit in Kilifi County under Governor Gideon Mung’aro.