Policy Makers Urged to Exploit Wealth of Data to formulate policies for youth

Economic Planning Principal Secretary James Muhati has challenged policymakers to use data to formulate policies and implement programmes targeting adolescents and young people.

In a speech read on his behalf by Economic Planning Secretary Timothy Gakuu during celebrations to mark the 2024 World Population Day, the PS noted that young people make up 75 per cent of Kenya’s population, according to the 2019 Population and Housing Census.

He mentioned the Kenya Population and Housing Census, Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys, Quarterly Labour Force Surveys and other administrative data as some of the data sources that could be utilized to inform evidence-based decision-making.

The PS said that the policies should be tailored to address the myriad of challenges facing this demographic.

“This group faces challenges ranging from unemployment, teenage pregnancies, low HIV awareness, Gender-Based Violence, Drugs and Substance Abuse among others,” PS Muhati said, adding that the Fourth Medium Term Plan 2023-2027 prioritizes investment in health, education, employment and governance structures.

He added that the government has created employment opportunities through the Talanta Hela programme, enabled youth to access credit, built 200 technical and vocational training centres and facilitated 100 per cent transition for basic education in a bid to address the challenges bedeviling the youth.

The celebrations were also attended by National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) Board Chair Dr. Julius Karangi, NCPD Director General, Dr. Mohamed Sheikh; UNICEF Country Director Ms. Shaheen Nilofer; UNFPA International Operations Manager, Mr. Paul Makwinja; senior government representatives; development partners among others.