Muhoho Kenyatta, the trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation and chair of the African region, has expressed confidence in youth leadership, insisting that it is critical in transforming the continent.

Speaking on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Africa regional conference of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Mombasa, Muhoho Kenyatta fully backed the young people, maintaining that they are the catalysts for positive change on the continent.

Muhoho, who rarely makes public appearances, argued that youth leadership stands to steer the continent forward by employing innovation and utilising their energy.

“As I look around this room, I see the faces of dedicated individuals who, despite numerous challenges, continue to champion the cause of youth development across our diverse continent. Your presence here today is a testament to your unwavering belief in the potential of every young person in Africa to be a catalyst for positive change,” Muhoho stated.

“It is their time now to grasp and take over the mantle of leadership, and as such, the stewardship of our continent with their passion, innovation, and energy,” he added.

The youth agenda: Africa Regional Conference

Muhoho Kenyatta – Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation and Chair of the African Region: It is their time now to grasp and take over the mantle of leadership, and as such, the stewardship of our continent… pic.twitter.com/DF2DtpyrSO

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) May 5, 2025

Untapped potential

While pushing for youth leadership, Muhoho Kenyatta decried what he termed as the underutilisation of youth potential on the continent. He put up a strong case, insisting that the continent boasts the most robust workforce globally, but the rigid systems continue to disadvantage the young people.

He made it clear that only change would speed up the realisation of Africa’s youth potential.

“Africa’s youth population is projected to reach nearly 830 million by 2050, a startling reality, being not just the youngest continent, but potentially the most dynamic workforce on the planet. Yet this demographic remains and I emphasise largely untapped and, secondly constrained by the systems that we not designed for the scale and speed of change that we now face,” Muhoho reiterated.

“Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. Our continent’s trajectory will be determined by how well we prepare our youth for the challenges and opportunities tomorrow,” he added.

Conference offers opportunity

Nonetheless, Muhoho Kenyatta assured African leaders that the conference would offer an opportunity for various stakeholders to voice their opinions and give expert solutions on how to strengthen governance and implement effective strategies for change.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place, and passion in the world.

In more than 120 countries, our globally recognised accreditation is available to all 14 to 24-year-olds, inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures, and abilities.

Through the programme, each young person becomes part of something special while developing their individual interests, universal skills, and life ambitions.

Founded in 1956, the award highlights the value of non-formal education and learning. Today, there are consistently over a million young people taking on the Award’s challenge to believe in the power of their potential, make a difference in their community, and take control of their future.

“To my fellow Kenyans, this is our moment to showcase the innovation and resistance that defines the award, known locally as the Presidential Award -Kenya. Every insight shared, every connection made and every plan developed here has the potential to transform young lives across the continent,” Muhoho Kenyatta said in closing remarks.

The youth agenda: Africa Regional Conference

Muhoho Kenyatta – Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation and Chair of the African Region: To my fellow Kenyans, this is our moment to showcase the innovation and resistance that defines the award, known… pic.twitter.com/azfD9su5Nu

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) May 5, 2025