NAIROBI, KENYA | JULY 10, 2026

The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), alongside the Government of Kenya and development partners, commemorated World Population Day under the global theme, “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people today and for the future,”.

During the event, key leaders called for urgent, strategic investments to translate youth optimism into national economic prosperity.

In a keynote speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Masini Ichwara (Director General, State Department for Economic Planning), the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Affairs, Dr. Boniface Makhokha, emphasized Kenya’s unique demographic position noting that while the global North navigates declining fertility and aging populations, 63% of Kenya’s population is under the age of 25.

“This youthful population represents a historic window of opportunity to harness the Demographic Dividend,” Dr. Makhokha stated. “However, this dividend is not automatic. It requires deliberate, rights-based, and forward-looking interventions.”

Data from the newly launched Population Situation Analysis (PSA) report and the global Demographic Futures Survey (DFS) reveal that youth in East and Southern Africa are exceptionally resilient, with 48% feeling highly optimistic about the future—compared to just 19% in Western Europe. To bridge the gap between this optimism and real-world economic constraints, the Government is prioritizing:

• Sustained investments in human capital through education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs).
• Universal healthcare and adolescent-friendly reproductive health services to reduce teenage pregnancies.
• Women’s economic empowerment through accessible credit facilities such as the Hustler Fund, MSMEs Fund, Uwezo Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

These efforts have already yielded results, with the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) showing that the financial inclusion gender gap has shrunk, with 79% of women and 82% of men now accessing formal financial services.

Dr. Masini Ichwara, DG State Department for Economic Planning (SDEP) delivering the key note address on behalf of the Principal Secretary SDEP Dr. Boniface Makhokha during the world population day celebrations.

NCPD Board Chairman, Hon. Ali Wario, CBS, advocated for a fundamental shift in how the nation views its demographic reality.

“Every year, experts talk about a ‘youth bulge’ as a burden on spreadsheets. But spreadsheets do not build nations; people do. Today, NCPD retires the phrase ‘youth bulge’ and replaces it with a powerhouse of potential. Over 75% of our population is under 35. That is not a crisis; it is our greatest competitive advantage.”

Hon. Wario highlighted the NCPD Bill before parliament as a legislative game-changer designed to strengthen the Council’s legal mandate, elevate population planning in national development, and enhance data collection. He further appreciated the unwavering support of partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting NCPD Acting Director General, Ms. Lucy Kimondo, and her staff.

UNFPA Representative a.i., Mr. Innocent Modisaotsile, reiterated that young Kenyans’ desire to build families and contribute to society is constrained by structural economic uncertainties.

To unlock their potential and protect vulnerable groups from challenges like gender-based violence, adolescent pregnancy, and FGM, UNFPA called for accelerated national and county-level investments in five areas:

1. Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
2. Protection and rights for the girl child.
3. Future-ready education and digital skills.
4. Socioeconomic scaffolding, including affordable housing.
5. Inclusive youth governance in County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).