Muhoho Kenyatta rallies youth to shape Africa’s future

By Newsflash Reporter

Businessman and philanthropist Muhoho Kenyatta has called on young Africans to step up and shape the future of the continent by harnessing their energy, creativity, and innovation to drive transformative leadership.

His call comes days after retired president Uhuru Kenyatta also advised the youth not to wait for tomorrow to take the country’s leadership.

Speaking at the African Regional Conference for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award held at the Voyager Hotel in Mombasa, Muhoho—who is a Trustee of the Award Foundation and chair of its African region chapter—described the youth as “the true hope and future of our beloved continent.”

He commended the dedication of young individuals working to champion youth development despite numerous challenges. “Every young African has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change,” he said. He emphasized that now is the time for youth to assume leadership roles across Africa.

Platform for strategy and growth

Muhoho described the week-long event as more than just a conference, but rather a convergence of ideas and a platform for strategy development. He said the sessions, from workshops to the ‘Award in Action’, were designed to inspire, challenge, and empower youth to become changemakers.

He also reminded participants of the demographic urgency, noting that Africa’s youth population is expected to reach nearly 830 million by 2050. “This presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as current systems are not built to handle the speed and scale of change we face,” he said. He underscored the importance of tools like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in equipping young people with values such as perseverance, service, and responsibility.

Supporting youth potential

The conference aims to improve the governance of the Award, boost youth skills, and expand support networks to foster real impact. The Award, founded in 1956, offers a global framework for non-formal education and currently engages over a million young people worldwide.

Youth and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya highlighted the Award’s growing reach in Kenya, with over 120,000 active participants, and urged young people to “dream big” and “pursue goals with unyielding perseverance.” He also announced that Gold Award holders will now be prioritized in public service recruitment and training.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir described the Award as a transformative tool, helping young people go beyond academics to develop character and leadership. “We are investing in their full potential,” he said.

The event was also attended by Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, Duke of Edinburgh Foundation Secretary General Martin Houghton-Brown, President’s Award CEO Margaret Kiogora, and a host of senior officials, trustees, and young delegates from across Africa.