Young people from the Coast region have been urged to take ownership of the region’s development by embracing innovation and strategic action, as the 7th edition of Pwani Innovation Week reached its fifth day in Mombasa.

Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza said discussions at the forum had centred on climate change, innovation, youth awareness programmes and youth engagement initiatives, all aimed at improving livelihoods across the region.

Kamanza said meaningful change begins with young people themselves, with leaders playing a supporting role.

“Everything starts with you, and then leaders come in as supplements,” he said.

He encouraged youth to view themselves as job creators rather than job seekers, arguing that innovation is what ultimately generates employment and supports small and medium enterprises in the region.

“At the time you bring innovation, you are creating employment and you will be able to support the small and medium enterprises in the Coast region,” Kamanza said, urging the youth to be proactive and active in strategic programmes that can be rolled out across the coastal counties.

Pwani Innovation Week is organised by the Swahilipot Hub Foundation and this year runs under the theme “A Decade and Beyond: Youth, Innovation and Coastal Futures,” marking 10 years of the hub’s work in the Kenyan innovation ecosystem.

By Joan Kinuthia