President William Ruto on Saturday led hundreds of youths from Kenya and parts of Africa at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the Connekt Africa Summit.
The president was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi, Minister for Youth Affairs Abdallah, Lesotho's Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Rwanda's Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba, and Council of Governors (COG) chairperson Anne Waiguru.
Speaking during the event, the president acknowledged the importance of fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship by providing access to capital for young people, mentorship and opportunities for them to transform their ideas.
He also urged the youth to champion environmental stewardship and foster innovative practices to protect the earth.
The Head of State also implored the youths to tap into renewable energy and promote sustainable agriculture as part of the continent's bid to address the adverse effects of climate change.
His deputy on the other hand encouraged youths to stand up and take their rightful place in leadership and steer the continent in socio-economic transformation.
DP Gachagua also affirmed that investing in the potential of the youth is key to redefining Africa's development course by 2050.
This year's summit, ' Youth Innovating a Borderless African Renaissance', aims to create a platform for youth to crossbreed ideas and opportunities.
Hosted by the government, the YouthConnekt Africa Summit is a pan-African platform which empowers young people by enhancing their knowledge, experiences and skills.
The summit invests ideas, innovations and initiatives of the youth to make Africa progress in harnessing its demographic dividends by 2030.
