Future jobs lie in skills, not suits: PS Fikirini challenges youth mindset in Garissa

Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Fikirini Jacobs, has urged young people in north eastern Kenya to abandon outdated perceptions about white-collar jobs and embrace technical education as the true driver of future employment.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Garissa Youth Summit held at Garissa University, PS Fikirini challenged the youth to rethink the long-held belief that university degrees are the only path to success.

"We've glamorized white-collar jobs for too long. It's time to rewire our thinking. Technical education is not second-class—it's the key to unlocking massive job opportunities," Fikirini said.

With more than 1.6 million graduates entering the job market annually, the PS noted that the demand for formal employment far exceeds the available opportunities. He emphasised that prioritising technical and vocational skills is the only sustainable way to generate new economic opportunities for young people.

Create demand

"We need a system that creates demand, not just supply. And technical training is what will drive that demand," he added.

Fikirini outlined several government initiatives designed to empower youth, including NYOTA, Jitume, and Climate Works, urging young people to apply and take full advantage of these programmes.

"The government is deliberate about this. We've established a fully-fledged State Department for TVET. Through the Jitume program and digital economy, we're opening doors—young people just need to walk through," he said.

Garissa Township MP Major (Rtd) Dekow Mohamed echoed the PS’s sentiments, calling on local youth to enrol in technical and vocational colleges across Garissa County.

"We're shifting focus from degrees to digital skills. From paper qualifications to practical innovations. That's where the future is," said the MP.

Dekow stressed the need to equip young people with skills in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and startup ecosystems, noting that the next wave of employment opportunities will be technology-driven.

"We have over 8 million young Kenyans who went to school but can't find jobs. That's not a failure of ambition—it's a failure of guidance. Technical skills will change that," Dekow stated.

As the Garissa Youth Summit concluded, the message was clear: young people in Garissa must redefine success—not as a corner office job, but as a skilled, empowered workforce driving innovation and growth.

Other Topics To Read

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• Northern Kenya
• North Eastern Kenya.
• Youth Affairs
• PS Fikirini Jacobs
• white-collar jobs
• Garissa Youth Summit
• Technical skills
• Future jobs lie in skills
• not suits: PS Fikirini challenges youth mindset in Garissa