By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 18 January 2026 - Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr Musalia Mudavadi has said President William Ruto’s administration has placed youth empowerment at the centre of its development agenda to secure a better future for the country.
Dr Mudavadi said programmes such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative and increased investment in sports are clear demonstrations of the government’s commitment to uplifting young people.
Speaking during the Fifth Edition of the Tinderet Barng'etuny Mountain Run in Nandi County, Dr Mudavadi noted that the government had invested heavily in key sectors that directly benefit the youth, particularly education.
“In education alone, the government has invested close to a trillion shillings. This huge investment is a deliberate plan to ensure our young people have a strong foundation for the future,” he said.
He added that the administration had also prioritized sports development as a major avenue for nurturing talent and creating opportunities.
“The government is constructing and rehabilitating several stadiums across the country. Talanta Stadium is nearing completion, while Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums will be revamped. Other facilities such as Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega are also being upgraded,” Dr Mudavadi said.
He described sports as a powerful platform for national branding and economic growth, citing Kenya’s global dominance in athletics.
“Athletics continues to market Kenya in ways that no paid advertisement can match. We must also diversify into other sporting disciplines so that every talent is identified and nurtured,” he added.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary urged young people to remain hardworking and disciplined, saying their conduct plays a key role in shaping Kenya’s image abroad.
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“You saw recently when some countries faced visa bans, Kenya remained among those that were spared. That is because our youth have built a strong brand of hard work and good behaviour. We must protect and grow that brand,” he said.
He also cautioned the youth to be responsible in their use of social media, warning that online behaviour increasingly influences employment and travel opportunities.
“Many employers and foreign missions now scrutinize social media footprints. Some young people have been denied visas because of reckless posts. Avoid trying to please the masses online at the expense of your personal future,” Dr Mudavadi advised.
Dr Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, further called on the youth to emulate the late Ezekiel Barng'etuny, in whose honour the mountain run is held, describing him as a loyal and principled leader.
“I worked closely with Mzee Barng'etuny. He was firm, honest and dedicated to public service. It is fitting that this marathon carries his name,” he said.
The event was attended by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Athletics Kenya President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa and Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei.
Others present included Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Nandi MPs Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Maryanne Kitany and Paul Biego (Chesumei).
