Public Health and Professional Standards, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, has underscored the need to strengthen community participation in public health and youth empowerment as key pillars of Kenya’s social transformation agenda.
Speaking during an interview on Inooro TV’s Ruciini Show on October 6, 2025, Muthoni highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
She said the government’s health reforms are anchored on the vision of ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of their location or social status, has access to reliable and affordable healthcare.
According to the Principal Secretary, the Ministry of Health is enhancing service delivery and accountability across the health system through the SHA framework.
Muthoni also spoke about the Jamii Imara Mashinani initiative, describing it as “a vehicle for taking government services closer to the people.”
“The programme encourages citizen dialogue and ensures that national programmes respond to the real needs of communities,” she said.
She noted that by engaging directly with citizens at the grassroots, the government can better understand their priorities and tailor interventions to meet those needs.
Muthoni added that this approach helps strengthen trust between the government and the people, leading to more sustainable and impactful outcomes.
Turning to youth empowerment, Muthoni highlighted the NYOTA Project, which equips young people with training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship skills.
“The government is helping youth create jobs, enhance productivity, and drive local development,” she said.
She explained that the NYOTA Project reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people to become agents of change in their communities.
By offering skills development and business support, the initiative aims to address youth unemployment and promote self-reliance among Kenya’s young population.
“The NYOTA Project gives our youth the tools they need to innovate, build enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to the country. When we empower the youth, we are not just investing in individuals but also strengthening the social and economic fabric of the nation,” she added.
Muthoni reiterated that community participation and youth empowerment remain central to Kenya’s social transformation agenda. She called on county governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector to partner in supporting ongoing reforms.
She concluded by emphasising that through initiatives such as the Social Health Authority, Jamii Imara Mashinani, and the NYOTA Project, Kenya is building a more inclusive, accountable, and resilient society—one where every citizen plays a role in shaping the country’s future.
