2026 WORLD POPULATION DAY

Kenya joined the Global Community today Friday, 10th July, 2026 in commemorating the 2026 World Population Day on harnessing population data themed 'Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people Today and the future' at a Nairobi Hotel.

The event organized by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) and other Key Stakeholders brought together Government officials, Development Partners, Civil Society, Private sector and Youth Representatives to discuss the role of population dynamics in advancing Kenya’s sustainable development.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the State Department for Economic Planning Director General Dr. Masini Ichwara, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha noted that this year's Global theme aligns well with Kenya's development agenda and underscores the importance of World Population Day in advancing growth. 

Additionally, the PS highlighted that the Government has established initiatives such as: Hustler Fund; UWEZO Fund; Youth Enterprise Fund (NYOTA Fund); Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Fund among others with the aim of expanding entrepreneurship opportunities and economic empowerment for women and youth.

“The commemoration of the 2026 World Population Day should serve as a reminder that to achieve meaningful development, we must work towards a Nation of equal opportunity and prosperity” PS Makokha reiterated.

Dr. Makokha outlined that Kenya has a youthful population with 63% of its people under the age of 25 representing a large potential workforce and consumer market. However, there is need to invest more in education, health and employment opportunities for youth, he added.

Subsequently, during the ceremony, the presentation of the Demographic Future Survey key findings was done. The Report highlighted the importance of leveraging demographic data to inform evidence-based planning and policy formulation. 

Moreover, the findings provide valuable insights into Kenya's changing population dynamics including trends in fertility, mortality, migration, urbanization and age structure while enabling policymakers to anticipate future development needs and design responsive interventions. 

Observed annually, the World Population Day serves as a platform for raising awareness of population issues as well as promoting people-centred policies that respond to changing demographic trends.

Ultimately, the State Department for Economic Planning through NCPD reaffirms the Government’s commitment to promoting the use of quality statistical data to support the implementation of the Country’s post vision 2030 priorities at both National and County Levels.

Present during the event were: NCPD Board Chair, Hon. Ali Wario; NCPD Ag. Director General, Lucy Kimondo and 

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Population Data Specialist, Ezekiel Ngure among other Senior Officials.