Breaking barriers: Raymond Ochieng shares nuggets on youth leadership

Currently serving as the Secretary for Youth Development in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Raymond Ochieng has dedicated his career to fostering youth leadership, innovation, and transformation across various sectors.

A seasoned expert in public sector strategy and corporate governance, Raymond has a rich background that spans across both public and private sectors.

He has worked with global organizations like the World Bank, USAID, and UNODC, as well as key Kenyan institutions, to develop strategies that drive results-based management, climate action, and digital economy growth.

We sit down with Raymond Ochieng to discuss his journey, the challenges and opportunities for youth leadership in Kenya, and his vision for the future of the creative economy. From his early days as a public sector consultant to his leadership at the National Youth Council, Raymond shares valuable insights into how young people can harness their potential to co-create solutions that tackle pressing societal issues.

1. What inspired you to get involved in youth with Government, and how did you first get started?

My passion for youth empowerment began right after high school. I harbored a dream of becoming a national leader, a vision that became clearer during a vulnerable phase in my own life as a young person. It was during this time that I truly understood what it means to have big dreams, visible potential, and zero resources. This realization fueled my determination to grow as a young leader and to seize leadership opportunities with intent and aggression.

I began my leadership journey within my church, where I became the go-to youth leader, and this experience motivated me to pursue student leadership. By the end of my second year at Pan Africa Christian University, I ran for Student President and succeeded. This laid the foundation for my role as Chairperson of the Kenya University Students Organization (KUSO), which opened doors to a broader understanding of governance and national issues.

Serving as KUSO Chair exposed me to the workings of government on a significant scale. During the final stages of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya drafting, I had the opportunity to play a key role in engaging student leaders and university students in national conversations. One of my proudest achievements was organizing a conference at BOMAS, where we brought together student leaders, industry experts, stakeholders, and government officials to discuss key issues impacting young people in the country.

2. As a young leader, what do you think are the most pressing issues facing your peers today?

Kenya, like many African countries, is facing a youth demographic challenge. With a median age of just 19 and 75% of the population under 35, according to the 2019 KNBS report, this presents both a major opportunity and a monumental challenge. The consequences of an unchecked youth bulge are already visible, as seen in the recent Gen-Z revolt.

As a young leader, I believe we must urgently address youth opportunities with a clear, deliberate plan, not as a generic, cross-cutting issue but as a targeted priority led by both the government and the private sector. A critical first step is to recognize that youth is not a homogeneous group. The 18-35 age range includes diverse cohorts: students, unemployed youth, skilled and semi-skilled workers, vulnerable groups, and professionals, among others.

The most pressing need now is to empower youth toward employment, and more importantly, to encourage job creation. Equally important is ensuring youth representation and participation. The failure to include young people in decision-making has led to negative political mobilization. Youth have incredible ideas and intentions at the grassroots level, but when they feel excluded from opportunities, they may resort to destructive methods, believing the end justifies the means.

3. How do you ensure that youth voices are effectively represented in Government decisions?

Youth represent the largest demographic in Kenya, making them both the victims of poor decisions and the driving force behind change at the community level. Their voices should be heard at every level, from the grassroots to the national stage, and across all sectors. It’s crucial for youth to be proactive, engage, and demand results through active participation, rather than waiting on the sidelines. At the same time, the government must create a conducive environment, supported by enabling legislation, to allow youth to thrive.

Kenya has made significant strides in youth political representation, particularly in Parliament and County Assemblies, positioning the country as a leader in Africa. The National Youth Council also plays a key role in amplifying youth voices. However, despite this progress, many young people are growing dissatisfied with their representation. The issue isn't just about having more youth in political spaces; it's about ensuring that their representation is meaningful. True leadership comes from young leaders who genuinely reflect the ideals and aspirations of their peers, offering honest and quality representation.

4. Can you share a specific project or initiative you have worked on that has had a positive impact in the country?

I've been involved in several key initiatives, but three stand out: First, as the inaugural CEO of the National Youth Council, I was the sole employee for the first 1 year and 8 months. During that time, I successfully navigated government bodies, including Parliament and the National Treasury, to establish a sustainable Secretariat for the Council.

Second, I led the creation of the first Kenya Youth Development Policy, which was finalized within a year. This policy secured the establishment of a State Department for Youth, elevating it from a Directorate.

Lastly, I spearheaded the Public Service Internship Program, which has now become a major success, providing tens of thousands of young people with valuable one-year job placements in government.

5. How do you balance your responsibilities in Government with school and personal life?

I’ve learned that public life is demanding, with frequent travel, late nights, and urgent tasks. However, I prioritize my family time, as it’s non-negotiable. I’m intentional and creative with my schedule, ensuring I make time for family and close friends. Weekends are reserved for them, unless I have special assignments from my superiors.

6. In your opinion what role does social media play in modern youth politics and how it can be used positively?

Social media is a powerful tool that can shape perceptions, positively or negatively. Given that youth are the largest demographic in Kenya, they are rational, honest, and increasingly rejecting tribalism, unlike previous generations. When they see real, positive change, they are quick to amplify it online.

This means that good governance, integrity, meritocracy, and equal opportunities championed by leaders can inspire youth to use social media to drive the change they seek.

6. What advice would you give to other young people interested in pursuing a career in politics or public service?

Young people should start now by focusing on things that contribute to their career growth. Start small, stay focused on your dream, and embrace the challenges along the way. Identify your path, no matter how big the vision, and seek out initiatives or people to work with—even if it's through volunteering. Stick with it, stay committed, and learn as you go.

Success doesn't happen overnight; you grow into it. Be prepared to delay gratification, sacrifice comfort, and work hard. The right people will notice your dedication. When you get an opportunity, prove yourself by being reliable and efficient, and doors will continue to open. While money is important, don't let it be your only motivator—focus on delivering results, especially in the early stages, to establish your reputation.

7. What challenges have you faced as a young government official and how did you overcome them?

In Government, there are few young people in senior positions, which creates pressure to perform well and pave the way for others. To overcome this, I focus on excelling in my role, ensuring that future young candidates are met with positive perceptions. Humility, respect for others, and a genuine passion for your work are key to success.

8. Looking ahead, what goals do you have for the future of youth In government and how do you plan to achieve them?

Looking ahead I see hope and a great potential in Kenya and I believe that the youth will play a great role in our growth if we don’t loose the opportunity to fix the opportunities gap, trust deficit, governance challenges and the pressing needs they vocalize every day. I am more than

ready to continue playing a role in government and beyond that will result in leaving a better a country than we found for the current and the generations to come. We must empower, engage and co- create with youth for a better tomorrow.