A team from the State Department for Economic Planning, KIPPRA and the Kenya School of Government visited the Public Service and Performance Management Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Geoffrey Ruku on 2nd May 2025. The team was led by the State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary, Dr Bonface Makokha and included the KIPPRA Board Chairperson, Prof. Paul Wachana, Ag. ED Dr Eldah Onsomu, KSG Director General Prof, Nura Mohammed and KARC Chair Ms Jane Kenda. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss partnerships and collaboration towards the 8th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference.
The meeting, held at the Cabinet Secretary’s office, focused on building strong inter-agency partnerships in preparation for the conference, which is scheduled to take place in June 2025 under the theme: “Shaping Pathways to Future Jobs: Unlocking Job Opportunities for the Youth.”
The theme reflects Kenya’s growing urgency to address youth unemployment through policy innovation, skills development, and inclusive economic strategies. The conference will serve as a critical platform to engage policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and young people themselves in charting actionable pathways toward creating sustainable and meaningful jobs.
Hon. Ruku welcomed the delegation and expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that empowering the youth is central to the government’s public service transformation agenda. “This conference aligns with our strategic vision to equip young Kenyans with the skills, opportunities, and environment they need to thrive. The Ministry is keen to collaborate and ensure its success,” he said.
Dr. Makokha emphasized the importance of aligning research, policy, and implementation to unlock economic opportunities for the youth, while Prof. Wachana and Dr. Onsomu outlined KIPPRA’s commitment to leading evidence-based discussions and providing policy insights that can inform long-term solutions to youth unemployment.
Prof. Nura Mohammed highlighted the role of public service training in equipping the workforce with relevant skills, and expressed readiness to integrate conference recommendations into the Kenya School of Government’s programs. Ms. Jane Kenda, who is chairing the KARC planning committee, shared progress on conference preparations and underscored the value of inclusive partnerships in shaping a forward-looking jobs agenda.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to work closely across institutions to deliver a high-impact conference that not only advances policy dialogue but also results in tangible outcomes for Kenya’s youth.
The 8th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference is expected to attract national and regional stakeholders and will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and youth-focused sessions aimed at driving innovation and inclusive economic participation.
