Leadership

FIKIRINI JACOBS KATOI KAHINDI

Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi is the Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department
for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Ministry of Youth Affairs Creative Economy
and Sports. A Prominent Youth champion and leader with a passion for
youth empowerment and social change; Mr. Fikirini was appointed as Principal
Secretary at the age of 28 years on 17^th April 2025, and entered the books of history
as the youngest individual ever, to hold such a high-profile position in the
government of Kenya

Early Life and Education

Born and raised at Bamba, Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County, Jacobs began his
education at Mnagoni Primary School and later attended Mwakitawa Secondary
School, completing his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2014.In 2015 he enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Maasai Mara University.During his time there, he was elected as Deputy President of the Students Organization of  Maasai Mara University (SOMMU).

Due to unprecedented dynamics around his education environment, Jacobs later transferred his pursuit of education to Pwani University, where he enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. His call for leadership again manifested at the University, where he was elected as the President of Pwani University Student’s Association (PUSA). At Pwani, he continued with his studies even as he championed for student’s rights and democratic expression, thereby influencing administrative reforms on students’ welfare and good governance.

Public life & Political Engagement

Fikirini Jacobs served as the Kilifi County Youth Leader for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where his inspirational leadership abilities motivated many young people to participate in public affairs and Nation building. He served in the position of Director of the Governor’s service delivery Unit in Kilifi County under the stewardship of H.E Gideon Mung’aro. During his tenure at the governor’s office, Jacobs oversaw implementation of the County Integrated Development plan.

His dedication to youth leadership and empowerment has been recognized nationally, and culminated in his nomination and subsequent appointment as the principal secretary for youth affairs and creative economy. Jacobs persistent commitment to fostering an enabling environment for nurturing youth potential in leadership and development is not in doubt. His resolve at directing his efforts and energies towards the government’s transformative agenda for the youth can only be well explained by his comradeship Mantra “The Ruthless Focus”.

Fikirini’s journey from the humble beginnings of a son of a peasant family in Kilifi, coast region, to a prolific public service role demonstrates great resilience and an impactful involvement of youth in leadership. His appointment has always been celebrated by various youth organizations and youth supportive entities, viewing it as a major milestone towards inclusive governance.