The trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation Muhoho Kenyatta has said that youths in Kenya and Africa should be empowered.
Muhoho said that the move will help instill important values in the young generation.
He spoke on Monday when the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation in partnership with the President’s Award Kenya, honoured outstanding youth in Mombasa County.
Muhoho, who is also the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation African Chairman, said the youths will have values that are deeply rooted in African traditions.
“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 of tomorrow. The award has proven to be a powerful vehicle for this preparation, instilling in young people the values of perseverance, responsibility and service,” he said.
Muhoho called on the government to invest in young people, who make up the majority of Africa’s population.
Present during the event were Youth and Sports CS Salim Mvurya, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and Sports PS Fikirini Jacobs.
CS Mvurya said that going forward, the government will create an enabling policy in terms of legislation to ensure that youths achieve their dreams.
He said the most important thing for youths to observe is the positive use of technology to avoid ruining their lives.
PS Jacobs said that African youths have proved beyond doubt that they are the change makers of the world.
On his part, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation secretary general, Martin Houghton White, said Africa has seen population growth of 25 per cent over the last 10 years and the average age is coming down to 19 years old.
“I believe that together, not withstanding a long-term ambition of Kenya to reach 1 million, together we have to set a three-year ambition of 1.3 million young people across the continent of Africa,” he added.
Mombasa Governor directed the trade department to partner with the President Awards Kenya to come up with programmes to empower youths.
