Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has challenged young people in the county to embrace discipline, responsibility and hard work if they are to take advantage of opportunities available to them.

Speaking on Wednesday during celebrations to mark International Youth Day at Tononoka Social Hall, where he addressed hundreds of youths, Governor Nassir said lack of discipline could undermine even the best youth empowerment programmes.

The Governor cited the county’s “Mombasa Ni Yangu” programme as an example, saying the initiative had shown great potential but was forced to discontinue after some beneficiaries failed to honour their work commitments.

“Discipline is very key. You will not achieve anything as a youth if you lack discipline,” Nassir told the gathering.

He said some beneficiaries failed to report to work, gave excuses or displayed laziness despite being given opportunities to gain experience and earn a livelihood.

Nassir urged young people to take opportunities seriously, noting that empowerment programmes can only succeed when beneficiaries demonstrate commitment and a willingness to work.

The Governor also warned youths against being manipulated along tribal and political lines as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

He urged young people to carefully scrutinise politicians seeking their support and demand clear answers on their development agenda.

“We are in a season of politics and many politicians will want to use your emotions and divide you along tribal lines. You need to be vigilant and careful,” he cautioned.

Nassir challenged the youth to listen to political leaders but ask critical questions about what they intend to deliver, particularly on issues affecting young people.

He said youths should demand to know how political agendas would translate into employment, business opportunities, skills development, infrastructure and other forms of development.

“Let them tell you their agenda and how you, as the youth, will benefit in terms of development and other opportunities,” he said.

The Governor further cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, recalling the loss of many young lives during previous periods of political unrest.

“We have lost so many youth due to political violence, and we should not allow this to happen again,” he said.

Nassir’s remarks come at a time when the county and national government are rolling out various initiatives targeting youth skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. Mombasa has recently expanded vocational and skills-training opportunities, including the Skills Mitaani programme targeting more than 10,000 young people. 

The Governor called on the youth to focus on building their skills, creating businesses and pursuing opportunities rather than allowing political differences to divide them.

He said young people have a critical role to play in shaping the future of Mombasa and Kenya and should use their numbers and influence to demand accountable leadership and meaningful development.