Fikirini Jacobs, a well-known Kenyan youth leader and political activist, was on Thursday nominated by President William Ruto as the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports.
His appointment highlights the government’s commitment to involving young people in national leadership and decision-making.
Early Life and Education
Jacobs, 29, was born and raised in Bamba, Kilifi County. He began his education at Mnagoni Primary School before proceeding to Mwakitawa Secondary School, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2014.
In 2015, he enrolled at Maasai Mara University to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Arts.
However, his time at the university was cut short due to his active involvement in student leadership, leading to his expulsion in 2017.
Determined to continue his education, Jacobs transferred to Pwani University, where he became the chairperson of the Pwani University Students Association (PUSA).
His leadership tenure at Pwani was marked by activism, which eventually led to his second expulsion after organizing a student protest that the university deemed illegal.
Political Activism and Career
Beyond student leadership, Jacobs has been a strong advocate for youth rights. He previously served as the President Emeritus of the Kenya Union of Students Organisations and held a leadership role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the Kilifi youth leader.
A self-proclaimed revolutionary and communist, Jacobs regularly expresses his political ideologies on social media, where he identifies as a “Revolutionary, Communist, Believer in God.”
His dedication to political activism has earned him a significant following among young people.
In his professional career, Jacobs worked as the Director of the Governor’s Service Delivery Unit in Kilifi County under Governor Gideon Mung’aro. His role involved overseeing county projects and ensuring efficient service delivery to residents.
Nomination as Principal Secretary
Jacobs’ appointment as Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports has been met with enthusiasm, especially among young people. His new role is expected to bridge the gap between the government and the youth, ensuring that policies and programs address the real challenges they face.
Expressing his gratitude, Jacobs stated, “It is with great humility and profound appreciation that I accept my nomination by President Ruto… Our youth are the driving force of our country’s future, and I am eager to work alongside all stakeholders to create an environment that nurtures their talents.”
Vision for the Future
As he takes on this leadership role, Jacobs is expected to use his experience in youth advocacy to push for policies that empower young people. His appointment offers hope for a new approach to youth development, with a focus on job creation, skills training, and active participation in governance.
