Everything rises and falls on leadership. I 100% believe this. Thanks to the leadership of Dr Eric Katana, CEO of Bandari Maritime Academy, I had the privilege and honour to interact with 400 students at the institution. Immersing myself in their virtual ship, watching their survival tactics to swim in the sea in crisis moments and viewing the amazing student-directed drama ' The Voyage' was quite an experience for me! In as much as I officially shared my official remarks on leadership and student life, my greatest joy was in the informal conversations after, laughter and selfies. My greatest thanks to Chief Mentor Mahmoud Noor, Founder of Swahili Pot Hub, for speaking so candidly with the young people and supporting them. Let's sail to greatness!

Hand in Hand. For Better Foods. And a Better Future. As young people, this World Food Day, we extended a hand of hope, a hand of solutions, and a hand of support to our communities, our mentors, and other young people. In partnership with @FAO , we listened to and assessed 11 presentations by young people in agriculture, ranging from innovations in black soldier fly farming, local mechanization, and yes, even rice cookies. The top three were awarded cash prizes of Ksh 50,000, 30,000, and 20,000 respectively, to help them scale to the next level. Truly, as young people, if we walk hand in hand, we can shift the average age of the African farmer from 60 to 16. Happy World Food Day!

Took some time today to visit the grave of the late Hon Raila Odinga and condole with the Odinga family in Bondo, Siaya County May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Mashujaa Day this year finds us in a very sensitive and emotional state, causing us, as young people, to reflect on whether we have the strength, courage, and resilience to step up and take our country to the next level. May we remember the meaning of our flag, the weight of the words of our National Anthem, and be the torchbearers of progress for Kenya.

Sigh! What a heavy day as we lay Baba to rest! Above all else, my heart goes out to my sister Winnie Odinga and her siblings, Rosemary and Junior. May God comfort you.

It was just the other day during The Devolution Conference that you held my hand as we walked from the plenary to my booth. As we walked, I vividly remember you saying 'This is good exercise' and I knew that that was one thing we would bond over later. You keenly listened as I shared my vision for the young people and passion in beekeeping. That alone was the greatest encouragement, but then again, you told me to keep it up and it gave me an even further boost. I had seen you before, in the media, in the rallies, engaging with my father in the political arena, but this was my first personal encounter with you. I assumed that many more times we would meet again and you would hold my hand as you share with me the history of our beautiful motherland, your experience in leadership, and I would turn share more about my thoughts and ideas for the young people. But alas, it was not to be All I can do now is leave you in the hands of The Almighty Father #RestinPeaceBaba Thank you for believing in me and the young people

We are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the Right Hon Raila Odinga. With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Hon Raila Odinga fought for our democracy and led the path towards our new constitutional order. A peacemaker who always put country first, his optimism, strength, and humility epitomised the Kenyan spirit. Hon Raila Odinga always believed that our best days are yet to come. His was a path walked with conviction. He bore the scars of struggle with dignity, knowing that freedom was not free and that truth often demands sacrifice. His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity. He was a man who refused to accept the easy path when the right path was harder. There can be no doubt that Hon Raila Odinga was the most significant leader of our democratic experiment. He carried himself with courage and grace and his voice, sometimes fiery, sometimes soft, always echoed with purpose. Hon Odinga is no longer with us, but he has left us stronger and better. We take comfort in the knowledge that he has gone to a better place, a place where rest awaits him. His legacy in Kenya, Africa and on the world stage - as a patriot, a pan-Africanist, and a global statesman - is written in the sands of time. A quintessential progressive and reformer, he fought for the ideals of human rights, democracy, the rule of law and inclusivity and economic opportunity for all until he breathed his last. l have lost a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot. Every time l needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard. He has left us a solid foundation built on the rock of faith. It is on that foundation that we shall find our way forward, inspired by his example, his legacy and optimism that our future is great. From my immediate family, Rachel and the children, we want to assure Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Junior, Winnie, Senator Oburu and the entire Odinga family that we stand with them in this moment of grief. Above all, l urge all Kenyans to join hands as we celebrate the incredible legacy of this towering figure in our history.

I had just arrived in Kakamega for the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Regional Climate Change and Agri Expo 2025 when we started hearing of Baba’s death. I initially refused to believe the stories…. how? I am still processing and can’t believe what has happened. I have no words. We joined H.E. Hon. FCPA Fernandes Barasa for a press briefing, as he cancelled the event so we may proceed with the seven-day mourning period as directed by the President. I am so saddened by this news 😞💔

Kenya makes a historic return to the Miss International 2025 pageant, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan. Ms. Muthoni Kariuki has been appointed as Kenya’s official representative, participating under the banner of The Young People’s Network International (TYPNI) and the stewardship of our CEO Ms. Charlene Ruto. More details in the press release below.

The official crowning of Miss International Kenya 2025! The story of a young, resilient Kenyan woman who chased her dreams till she caught them @MissNonikariuki @typn_i #MissInternational2025 #BeautiesForSDGs #MissInternational #CheerAllWomen

Through The First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA), a beautiful vision by Her Excellency Mama Rachel Ruto, children are discovering their power to reimagine the world they live in. I had the honour of joining the Third Edition of FLAMA at State House, Nakuru. This was a celebration of Kenya’s young environmental champions and their boundless creativity that included exhibitions, skits and poetry. Mama’s compassion continues to light the way, showing us that sustainability begins with nurturing hearts, not just planting trees. Her belief in youth as creators of impact inspires me deeply. At @smachs_org , we celebrate this same spirit, creating opportunities for young people to design eco-friendly solutions, build sustainable materials, and drive bold environmental ideas that shape a better tomorrow. To every learner who took part in FLAMA, your passion is contagious, your ideas are powerful, and your voice matters. You’re not waiting for the future… you’re already building it. Here’s to growing a Kenya that breathes hope, love, and endless possibility!

Yes, we have updated our Bio.

For years, the conversation has always been about how young people should be at the forefront of agricultural systems in Africa. We have talked enough.. it’s now time to act. Africa’s food future rests on the shoulders of young people, and I’m proud to be part of the African Food Systems Forum 2025, where this call is being turned into action—for a better future. #AFSForum2025

Niaje Niaje! We are officially liiiive! The Young Peoples Network International website is now up and running—our very own platform created by young people, for young people. This will be our space not only to connect and collaborate, but also to learn, innovate, and champion solutions that shape the future we want. Be part of the movement. Check it out ;typni.org

Tomorrow we launch our new home online, a space created for young people, by young people. The Young Peoples Network International is going live!

Last week was so surreal, and I am still recovering from it! It was the honour of my life to have my father, in his official capacity as President, visit our stand at the Devolution Conference 2025 in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Every Easter and Christmas, he would always take my siblings and me to ushago (the village) for a month or more and honestly, I would really have rather stayed in Nairobi hanging out with my friends. Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I would never have imagined that, fast forward twenty-plus years later, I would have developed such a firm passion and love for beekeeping, agriculture, and climate action and even started a whole foundation just for it.@smachs_org Thanks, Paps and Mama, for bringing me up in the way I should go!

“The National Government will be reaching out to County Governments to activate a joint plan to enhance our youth with targeted interventions. The young people of Kenya have expressed their reservations with the Government’s speed and efficiency in executing the agenda for job creation and the enhancement of income opportunities. Tied to these reservations are concerns relating to integrity, and in particular, the transparency and accountability tenets that guide our actions. There is need for a greater level of engagement with the youth, and I commend the Conference for its specific focus on a youth dialogue, setting the stage for what should be regular sessions for validation, variation, and input into government programmes and initiatives. The youth will play a major role in Kenya’s transformation by actively participating in developing innovative solutions to societal problems. The Government does not intend to brush over the concerns raised. Instead, securing spaces for dialogue and continuous consultation is paramount to reinstating trust in the institutions of Government. This we must do in concert, not confrontation.” Not my words, but those of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the just concluded Devolution Conference 2025. As young people, let us fully utilise our seat at the table to voice our concerns, share solutions, and create a better future for ourselves and those coming after us!

I had just picked up the microphone to contribute to the LREB panel on promoting nurturing care for early childhood development, and when I put it down is when I saw the text message: “Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is about to pass by our stand.” It had been sent 10 minutes ago. I rushed to our booth, but I was too late he had already left. I knew I had missed my opportunity, but my team told me we would make another way. As promised, they ensured I had a conversation with him and re-invited him to our stand once he had shared his remarks at the plenary. It humbled me so much that @RailaOdinga , together with the Cabinet Secretary of Health, H @HonAdenDuale , and with the support of Her Excellency Gladys Wanga, the Governor of Homa Bay, chose to walk back all the way to my stand to listen to what we do. As young people, if we raise our voice, we truly have a listening and concerned ear. Thank you, Baba!

In as much as it was the most highly requested ask of the young people when I did The 30 Things survey two years ago, I must say that I have truly realised and been amazed by the power of mentorship. Extremely grateful for how Hamisi Williams and the whole FAO Kenya team believe in, support, and stand for young people in the agriculture space. We are stepping up in the space because we are standing on your shoulders. Thank you for your mentorship!