President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta,
Cabinet Secretaries Kandie, Matiangi, and Mohammed,
Esteemed dignitaries and other government officials,
KCB Group CEO Joshua Oigara,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Vijana wa Kenya (youth of Kenya)

Hamjambo? (how are you all?)

I am delighted to be here this morning for the launch of this expansive vocational scholarship program. I thank all the partners who made this possible—KCB Foundation, civil society, the Government of Kenya, our colleagues in the private sector, USAID Nilinde.  Most of all, I thank and commend the many young adults taking advantage of the opportunities this program will afford. It is your energy, your ingenuity, and your earnestness that inspires us and will underpin the future prosperity of Kenya.

The Youth make up the greatest proportion of the Kenyan population. And that’s actually the case all over Africa. In Kenya, 48 percent of the country’s population is under the age of 18, and nearly two-thirds of the population is younger than 24 years. Kenya’s young population can evolve into a workforce that drives the country’s growth.

Last July, President Obama made a historic visit to Kenya. As he stood here at Kasarani, he addressed a crowd very similar to you. He declared, “when it comes to the people of Kenya — particularly the youth — I believe there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

President Obama’s historic visit last year was also remarkable for another important event – the first Global Entrepreneurship Summit held in Sub-Saharan Africa. President Obama joined the KCB Group at the Summit along with many of the companies represented here today. Many of these companies pledged an extraordinary total of more than $1 billion to support the youth of Kenya. Commitments came from African banks, African foundations, and African philanthropists, all to support the future entrepreneurs among us today.  

Today marks the KCB Group’s follow-through on this commitment. KCB Foundation is pledging KSH 1 billion (or U.S. $10 million) to build the skills of Kenya’s future workforce and to link new workers to opportunities to amplify their success. I congratulate KCB Foundation,

The United States Government stands with KCB Foundation as a partner in this effort. Through the USAID Nilinde program, we are contributing resources to this partnership. I congratulate Nilinde for entering into this partnership with KCB Foundation, which will help to forge a better future, not only for the young students but also for their families and their communities.

The U.S. Government supports a range of programs to expand the capacity and potential of this incredible resource – the youth of Kenya. These programs include initiatives such as our Young African Leaders Initiative with the Mandela Washington Fellowship and Regional Leadership Center programs, which nurture the next generation of young African leaders in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. We support HIV/AIDS initiatives, including the DREAMS Partnership, that works to keep girls and young women HIV free; USAID Nilinde program, which helps  children and youths grow into healthy adults; and Wings to Fly, which gives the brightest and best students scholarships for secondary school.  USAID also supports the Global Give Back Circle, an innovative empowerment program that focuses on disadvantaged girls.

Kenyan youths have a critical role to play in the social and economic transformation of their families, communities, and country. The program we launch together today will help these young people build the nation of their dreams. These young adults will be connected to top vocational schools in Kenya. They will get knowledge, skills, and expanded access to resources and networks. Many come from humble beginnings but will have the opportunity to harness their full potential.

To echo President Obama, the U.S. Government is committed to partnering with you on an issue fundamental to Kenya’s future: We are investing in you. We are investing in the young people of Kenya and the young people of this continent. Vijana, we believe in you and know the potential you hold for the future. You must prepare to take the lead.

Vijana ndiyo nguzo ya Kenya (the youth are the pillar of Kenya).

Pamoja tusonge mbele!