PS Fikirini Jacobs urges employers to entrust youth with leadership opportunities
By Joel Masibo, December 10, 2025Principal Secretary- State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has urged employer organisations to entrust young people with leadership opportunities as the country grapples with youth unemployment.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, during the Kenya Film School (KFS) Class of 2022 and 2023 graduation celebrations at Kasarani in Nairobi, Jacobs argued that young people have all that it takes to succeed in different disciplines. He spoke as an exceptional cohort of 94 young filmmakers was equipped to step into the fast-growing creative economy.
Entrusting the youth
”I urge employer organisations to entrust young people with leadership opportunities, just as H.E. President William Samoei Ruto did by appointing me as the youngest Principal Secretary responsible for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy,” the PS said.
Fikirini also described the event as a historic milestone for both the school and the nation. KFS stands as the first government-owned film training institution in East and Central Africa, a status that he noted carries immense responsibility in shaping the next generation of Kenyan storytellers.
In his remarks, the PS encouraged young people to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) and skills-based pathways, emphasising the importance of collaboration between emerging talent and seasoned professionals.
Jacobs applauded the hands-on, industry-focused training the school continues to offer in directing, cinematography, editing, and scripting—skills he believes are crucial in positioning young Kenyans competitively in an increasingly demanding global creative market.
Mvurya’s message
The ceremony’s Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya, reinforced the transformative nature of film, describing it as a powerful tool that shapes identity, inspires societal change, drives job creation, and exports Kenya’s rich culture to the world. He urged the graduates to rise as ambassadors of Kenya through impactful storytelling.
“As they step into a dynamic and highly competitive industry, I challenged them to deploy their talent positively towards nation-building, value creation and attracting investment that uplifts communities, strengthens our cultural identity, and portrays Kenya positively on the regional and global stage,” Mvurya asserted via X.