STATEMENT BY NGEC DURING THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2025

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) joins the nation and the global community in celebrating the energy, resilience, and leadership of young people. International Youth Day (IYD) is commemorated annually on 12 August to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world. It serves as a platform to promote youth engagement and celebrate their contributions to society, development, and peace.

This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” underscores the pivotal role of young people in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes that youth are not merely recipients of development efforts, but are vital drivers of change, innovation, and leadership within their communities. The theme affirms the importance of integrating young voices into local governance processes, recognizing that their creativity, energy, and intimate knowledge of local contexts are indispensable in tackling the complex and interconnected challenges of our time.

 

In our case, the theme speaks directly to the realities of Kenyan youth who, despite being affected by unemployment, inequality, and exclusion, continue to lead their communities with purpose and creativity. From climate health and peacebuilding, to gender equality and digital innovation, young people in Kenya are shaping a future.

Kenya is a youthful nation, with over 75% of its population under the age of 35.[i] This demographic presents immense potential for innovation, leadership, and economic growth. However, Kenyan youth face persistent challenges. Over 70% of them are unemployed, many have limited access to quality education, mental ill-health, economic exclusions, and rising substance abuse. As a constitutional Commission mandated to promote gender equality and freedom from discrimination, NGEC recognizes that meaningful inclusion of youth in all development opportunities is mandatory. Young people, especially those from marginalized communities and those with disabilities must be supported and empowered to thrive.

In line with this, the Commission has since July convened youth dialogues under the banner “Listen and Reflect,”. The platform provides a space for youth to share their lived experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to equality, inclusion, and civic participation. The dialogues highlight the critical role of young people as agents of change in their communities, and emphasize the importance of amplifying youth voices in shaping local solutions to global development goals. The dialogues are managed by youth themselves.

 

In this year’s International Youth Day NGEC is happy to share the key insights emerging from these forums thus;

1. A call for more accessible and youth friendly policies in education and employment.
2. Greater inclusion of youth with disabilities, those from marginalized communities and young women in leadership spaces.
3. The need for safe, inclusive platforms within schools and communities to discuss social justice and equality issues.

These insights are not just feedback. They are a call to action. NGEC is incorporating these reflections into ongoing programming and policy engagement, reinforcing our commitment to responsive, youth centered governance. We applaud the National and County Government, civil society and youth networks that have embraced community driven programming aligned with this year’s theme. Whether it is in agro-enterprise, climate-smart practices, mental health and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, creative arts or Artificial intelligence learning, decent work, they all matter young persons.

 

And therefore, as we mark this important day, NGEC calls upon:

1. The Government and actors to intentionally invest more in youth-led initiatives that address local SDG priorities.
2. Development partners and civil society to amplify youth voices and resource their solutions and innovations.
3. Young people across Kenya to continue speaking out, be present, and boldly lead their communities.
4. Young people to embrace foresight thinking to provide solutions to emerging national challenges that threaten realization of the SDGs

 

On our part, NGEC remains committed to standing with youth not only as their advocates and advisors but as also as co-creators of a more equal and inclusive society. To all young people across Kenya: your voices matter, and your actions count.

 

Happy International Youth Day 2025!

 

 

 

HON. REHEMA JALDESA

CHAIRPERSON

 

 

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[i] Kenya National Bureau of Statistics - Kenya's Top Data Site