Speaking as he officially closed the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Kindiki acknowledged that young Kenyans have raised concerns over the speed and efficiency of government programmes targeting them.
He added that issues of integrity, transparency, and accountability must be addressed to build trust.
“The young people of Kenya have expressed their reservations with the government’s speed and efficiency in executing the agenda for job creation and the enhancement of income opportunities," he stated.
Tied to these reservations, he said, are concerns relating to integrity, and in particular the transparency and accountability tenets that guide our actions.
“There is a need for a greater level of engagement with the youth, and I commend the Conference for its specific focus on a youth dialogue, setting the stage for what should be regular sessions for validation, variation, and input into government programmes and initiatives,” Kindiki said.
The conference was opened by President William Ruto on Tuesday, while Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gave a keynote address on Thursday.
The 2025 DevCon is themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice”.
The DP noted that the government is committed to ensuring that youth voices shape development policies. He said their participation will be critical in creating innovative solutions to Kenya’s most pressing challenges.
Kindiki stressed that the government will not ignore the concerns raised by young people. Instead, it will create spaces for open dialogue and continuous consultation to bridge the trust gap.
He further called for a collaborative approach between leaders and the youth in building a stronger and more inclusive nation.
“The youth will play a major role in the Kenya’s social transformation by actively participating in developing innovative solutions to societal problems. The Government does not intend to brush over the concerns raised," he said.
“Instead, securing spaces for dialogue and continuous consultation is paramount to reinstating trust in the institutions of government. This we must do in concert not confrontation."
