Kenya Focuses on Data-Driven Strategies for Youth on World Population Day 2024
Kenya’s World Population Day 2024 celebrations, held on July 31, emphasized the critical role of data in shaping effective policies for the nation’s youth. The event, rescheduled from its original July 11 date, featured key addresses from prominent figures, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based solutions to address pressing population challenges.
Dr. Julius Karangi, Chair of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), underscored the Council’s commitment to advancing the population and development agenda. He highlighted this year’s theme, “Embracing Data for Decision-Making: Using Evidence to Invest in Adolescents and Young People,” which guides the NCPD’s efforts.
Dr. Karangi detailed the Council’s work in producing vital data and reports, including the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2023 and policy briefs, while focusing on combating adolescent pregnancy, HIV, and gender-based violence.
NCPD Director General Dr. Mohamed Sheikh noted the extensive outreach achieved this year, with celebrations across numerous counties and significant media engagement. He stressed the continued use of social media and other platforms to enhance public dialogue on population issues.
The State Department for Economic Planning a statement read by PS Representative reiterated the importance of data-driven policymaking. Emphasizing the objectives of World Population Day 2024, including raising awareness about adolescent challenges and supporting multisectoral collaboration.
He highlighted key statistics, noting that 75 percent of Kenya’s population is under 35 and that by 2030, this group will represent 69.8 percent of the population. He pointed to government initiatives such as the Talanta Hela program and youth employment schemes aimed at addressing these challenges.
The event marked a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to leverage data for more effective policy development and implementation, especially for its young population.
