Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has urged young people to shun violence and reject attempts to use them to advance political agendas, saying their energy, creativity and patriotism should be harnessed to drive national development.
Speaking on Monday after attending the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kinyanjui said political and religious leaders had spoken with one voice on the need to shield young people from manipulation and encourage peaceful participation in nation-building.
He said Kenya's youth have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the country's development and called for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based institutions to promote peace, integrity, and opportunities that empower young people to realise their potential.
“Our young people must never become instruments of violence or be misused to advance the political ambitions of others.
“Their energy, creativity and patriotism should be harnessed to build the nation, not destroy it.
“That was the clear and united message from leaders and the clergy during the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa,” Kinyanjui said.
He emphasised the role of the Church in shaping values and nurturing responsible citizens, describing faith-based institutions as critical partners in guiding young people towards peaceful coexistence and integrity.
“The Church remains one of the most important institutions in shaping values, nurturing responsible citizens and guiding young people towards peaceful coexistence, integrity and hope.
“As leaders, we must work hand in hand with faith-based institutions to create opportunities that inspire our youth to choose dialogue over destruction and purpose over provocation,” he added.
Kinyanjui explained that stronger collaboration between government leaders and religious organisations would help create an environment where young people are encouraged to pursue constructive opportunities rather than violence.
He noted that investing in opportunities for the youth would strengthen national cohesion while promoting responsible citizenship and hope for the future.
The Cabinet Secretary attended the assembly alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
Also present were the Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, who is the Bishop of Solwezi in Zambia, Vice Chairman Most Rev. Antony Muheria, and other clergy and leaders from across the region.
The AMECEA Plenary Assembly brings together Catholic bishops and other church leaders to deliberate on issues affecting society, including governance, peace, social development and the welfare of communities across Eastern Africa.
Kinyanjui's remarks come amid continued calls from political, religious and civic leaders for greater efforts to safeguard young people from violence while expanding opportunities that encourage dialogue, participation and nation-building.
He maintained that lasting progress would depend on partnerships between government, religious institutions and communities to ensure young people are empowered to become agents of peace and development rather than instruments of conflict.