5 things to know about Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs
By Steve Ireri, July 2, 2026When President William Ruto nominated Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, many Kenyans were introduced to a relatively unfamiliar face stepping into one of the country’s most significant public offices.
Although he had built a reputation through student leadership, grassroots politics and public service in Kilifi County, his appointment to the national Executive marked the biggest milestone of his career so far. It also made him one of the youngest people ever to serve as a Principal Secretary in Kenya.
From his upbringing at the Coast to his years as a student activist and his rise through politics, here are five things to know about the man now leading the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.
1. He became Kenya’s youngest-ever Principal Secretary
His appointment broke long-standing traditions where Principal Secretary positions had largely been reserved for veteran civil servants and senior politicians with decades of public service experience.
For many observers, his elevation was more than just another government appointment. It symbolised an effort to inject youthful leadership into government while giving young Kenyans a stronger voice within the Executive.
As the head of the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Jacobs now oversees programmes aimed at youth empowerment, talent development, innovation, entrepreneurship and the rapidly growing creative economy.
2. His journey began in rural Kilifi
Despite now occupying one of the country’s most influential public offices, Jacobs comes from modest beginnings.
He later joined Mwakitawa Secondary School, completing his KCSE examinations in 2014 before proceeding to university.
Residents of Kilifi have often described his rise as an inspiration to young people from rural backgrounds, proving that humble beginnings need not limit one’s ambitions.
3. Student activism defined his early leadership journey
Long before joining government, Jacobs had already established himself as a fearless student leader.
He first enrolled at Maasai Mara University, where he served as Deputy President of the Students Organisation before later transferring to Pwani University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
At Pwani University, he was elected President of the Pwani University Students’ Association (PUSA), where he became widely known for championing students’ rights, democratic expression and better governance within the institution.
His activism, however, came at a personal cost. Jacobs faced suspensions and expulsions during his university years following his involvement in student leadership and protests. Rather than ending his political ambitions, those experiences elevated his profile among many young people who viewed him as a fearless advocate willing to challenge authority.
4. He built political networks across rival camps
Jacobs’ political journey is equally fascinating. He initially served as Kilifi County Youth Leader for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he played an active role in mobilising young people to participate in politics and public affairs.
During this period, he developed close working relationships with senior ODM figures, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who recognised his leadership abilities and often featured him in youth mobilisation activities.
However, his political trajectory later took a dramatic turn when he joined the broad-based government arrangement between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, eventually earning President William Ruto’s trust and appointment to the Executive.
The transition made him one of the few youthful politicians to successfully navigate both opposition and government politics.
5. He gained government experience before becoming PS
Before his appointment to the national government, Jacobs had already accumulated experience in public administration.
He served as Director of the Governor’s Service Delivery Unit in Kilifi County under Governor Gideon Mung’aro, where he coordinated service delivery programmes and oversaw implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan.
That role exposed him to budgeting, development planning, project implementation and public service management, skills that would later become crucial after joining the national government.