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When President William Ruto appointed Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, many Kenyans were introduced to a young leader whose rise to the national stage had largely been built through student activism, grassroots politics and public service in Kilifi County.
Although he was already well known in coastal political circles, his appointment to the national Executive marked the biggest achievement of his career and made him one of the youngest individuals ever to serve as a Principal Secretary in Kenya.
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Here are five key facts about the Youth Affairs PS:
1. He is Kenya’s youngest Principal Secretary
Fikirini Jacobs made history when he was appointed Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy on April 17, 2025, at just 28 years old.
His appointment broke with tradition, as such senior government positions have typically gone to experienced civil servants or long-serving politicians. Many viewed his elevation as a sign of increased youth representation in government.
As PS, he is responsible for policies and programmes focused on youth empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development and the creative economy.
2. He was raised in rural Kilifi
Jacobs was born and raised in Bamba, Ganze Constituency, Kilifi County, where he grew up in a humble farming family.
He attended Mnagoni Primary School before joining Mwakitawa Secondary School, where he completed his KCSE examinations in 2014. He later pursued university education.
His journey from a rural background to senior government leadership has inspired many young people across the Coast region.
3. He rose through student leadership
Jacobs first gained national attention through student politics.
He initially studied at Maasai Mara University, where he served as Deputy President of the student organisation before transferring to Pwani University to study Philosophy.
While at Pwani University, he was elected President of the Pwani University Students’ Association (PUSA), earning recognition for advocating students’ rights, accountability and democratic leadership.
His activism also led to disciplinary action, including suspensions and expulsions, but those experiences strengthened his reputation as a determined youth leader.
4. He built influence across different political camps
Jacobs began his political career as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth Leader in Kilifi County, where he mobilised young people to participate in politics.
During that period, he worked closely with senior ODM leaders, including Raila Odinga and Ali Hassan Joho.
He later joined the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza, eventually earning President William Ruto’s confidence and appointment to the Executive, making him one of the few young leaders to transition successfully between opposition and government politics.
5. He gained administrative experience before joining the national government
Before becoming Principal Secretary, Jacobs served as Director of the Governor’s Service Delivery Unit in Kilifi County under Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
In that role, he coordinated county development programmes, monitored service delivery and helped implement the County Integrated Development Plan.
The position equipped him with experience in planning, budgeting, project management and public administration, skills that now support his work overseeing youth empowerment initiatives and Kenya’s growing creative economy.
