Gov't urges youth to embrace education and leadership opportunities

The government has urged young Kenyans to take advantage of opportunities in education, leadership and national development, saying the decisions they make today will shape their future.

Speaking during the requiem mass for student leader Elvis ‘Beast’ Otieno in Mombasa on Wednesday, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said young people should emulate the late leader's commitment to service and nation-building.

Drawing from Otieno's life, Dr. Omollo described him as a dedicated youth leader who used his influence to promote peace, mentor fellow students and support government education initiatives.

"Leadership is measured by the positive impact one leaves on others," he said, urging students and emerging leaders to follow the late Otieno's example.

The PS recalled his last interaction with Otieno during the FIFA World Cup finals in Mombasa, describing him as dependable, selfless and committed to bringing people together.

He said news of the student's sudden death had deeply affected young leaders across the country.

Dr. Omollo said Otieno embodied the vision of a united Kenya where every child, regardless of background or economic status, has an equal opportunity to succeed.

He said that vision continues to inform the government's investments in education and youth empowerment under President William Ruto's administration.

Highlighting reforms in the education sector, the PS said the national education budget has increased from about Ksh.500 billion to nearly Ksh.780 billion over the past three years, while more than 100,000 teachers have been recruited to improve learning outcomes across the country.

He added that proposed reforms to higher education funding and legislation before Parliament are intended to ensure all qualified students can pursue the courses they have been admitted to regardless of their financial background.

Describing education as the country's greatest equaliser, Dr. Omollo said continued investment in the sector is critical to expanding opportunities for young people, reducing inequality and driving Kenya's long-term social and economic transformation.

He acknowledged that major reforms often face resistance but maintained that the government would continue implementing programmes aimed at improving citizens' lives and creating more opportunities for future generations.

The PS also encouraged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in faith during the difficult period and commended Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir for supporting the family throughout the bereavement.

Paying his final tribute, Dr. Omollo described Elvis ‘Beast’ Otieno as a patriotic young Kenyan whose legacy of service, unity and youth empowerment would continue to inspire generations.

Among those who attended the requiem service were Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, student leaders, family members, friends and hundreds of mourners.