By Eddah Waithaka
In a dedicated recognition of World Population Day on 31 July, Kenya marked the occasion with a resolute emphasis on the use of data to guide evidence-based policy decisions, with a keen eye on alleviating the unique hurdles faced by adolescents and young people. This year’s celebrations underscored the critical role of data-driven strategies in creating effective policies aimed at supporting and empowering Kenya’s youth population amidst a range of challenges.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Mohamed A. Sheikh, Director General of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), said the theme was very important because of the age structure of our population, which is more youth and adolescents. And that is why they have chosen this theme for the country for this year.
Also Read: https://switchmedianews.wordpress.com/2024/08/01/christian-aid-kenya-champions-geder-justice-with-crawn-trust-and-side-by-side-conference/
“If you look at the age group of 10 to 14, it is one of the categories that really we do not have a lot of data and a lot of information. We do not have key indicators on these categories. That is why we are highlighting this theme, just to create awareness, so that these institutions and government agencies can look at data concerning this category of youth. Other issues that are concerning about the youth that we have talked about here, and we presented, is about issues to do with mental health and drug and substance abuse,” said the Director General.
Other issues the Director General talked about are unemployment and also the skills mismatch in terms of the jobs that are available and the skills that young people have.
Also postponement of this year’s World Population Day usually celebrated on 11th July was due to factors beyond their control.
“This year we postponed our national celebration due to factors beyond our control and thus the change of date from the initial date,” said NCPD Director General Dr. Mohamed A. Sheikh.
