MOMBASA, Kenya — The Government has challenged young people to take advantage of opportunities available through education, leadership and national development programmes, saying the choices they make today will shape their future and the country’s progress.
Speaking during the requiem mass of the late student leader Elvis “Beast” Otieno in Mombasa County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said young people must embrace opportunities that empower them to transform their lives and positively impact society.
Dr Omollo described the late Otieno as a committed youth leader who used his influence to promote peace, mentor fellow students and support initiatives aimed at advancing education and national development.
“Leadership is measured by the positive impact one leaves on others. Elvis demonstrated that young people can become agents of unity, service and transformation,” Dr Omollo said.
The Principal Secretary recalled his last interaction with the late student leader during the FIFA World Cup finals in Mombasa, describing him as dependable, selfless and committed to bringing people together.
He said Otieno’s sudden death had deeply shocked young leaders across the country, noting that he represented the aspirations of a united Kenya where every young person, regardless of background or economic status, has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Dr Omollo said the Government remains committed to investing in education and youth empowerment under President William Ruto’s administration to create greater opportunities for young people.
He noted that the national education budget has increased from about Sh500 billion to nearly Sh780 billion over the past three years, while more than 100,000 teachers have been recruited to strengthen learning across the country.
The Principal Secretary added that proposed higher education funding reforms currently before Parliament are intended to ensure every qualified student is able to pursue their preferred course regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Describing education as Kenya’s greatest equaliser, Dr Omollo said sustained investment in learning is essential to reducing inequality, expanding opportunities and accelerating the country’s long-term economic and social development.
He acknowledged that major reforms often face resistance but maintained that the Government would continue implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens and creating opportunities for future generations.
Addressing the bereaved family, Dr Omollo encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the loss, urging them to draw strength from God during the difficult period.
He also commended the Mombasa County Government, led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, for supporting the family throughout the mourning period and pledged the Government’s continued support beyond the funeral.
Paying his final tribute, the Principal Secretary described Elvis “Beast” Otieno as a patriotic young Kenyan whose legacy of service, unity and youth empowerment would continue inspiring generations.
The requiem service was attended by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs, student leaders, family members, friends and hundreds of mourners who gathered to celebrate the life of the late student leader.
