Political activist Kasmuel McOure has landed a role within the Ministry of Cooperatives, a move the government says is aimed at strengthening youth participation in economic empowerment programmes.
The development was announced on Thursday, December 18, by Cooperatives Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, who revealed that the ministry is seeking to partner with McOure to help bridge the gap between government initiatives and young people across the country.
Speaking while engaging with McOure, Mang’eni said the collaboration is expected to improve how information and opportunities reach the youth, many of whom struggle to access government programmes designed to support entrepreneurship and job creation.
“To expand the reach and impact of our State Department, we look forward to collaborating with Kasmuel McOure, the convener of the Broad-Based Youth Front,” Mang’eni said. “This is to ensure that more young people can access timely information, opportunities, and tools that support their economic empowerment.”
According to the Principal Secretary, the partnership will focus on increasing youth awareness and uptake of flagship programmes such as the Hustler Fund and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, both of which target young entrepreneurs and small businesses.
McOure, who is also a member of the ODM youth league, welcomed the opportunity, saying his involvement will be channelled through the Broad-Based Youth Front, an initiative he recently launched to connect young people to economic opportunities.
“Our focus is on linking young people to timely information, enterprise support, and the tools available within the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,” McOure said, noting that many youths miss out on opportunities simply because they are unaware of what is available to them.
The appointment comes barely a week after McOure unveiled the Broad-Based Youth Front, positioning it as a platform to advocate for youth interests within President William Ruto’s administration while maintaining an independent voice.
In a statement issued on December 10, the activist said the movement would not be beholden to political leaders who did not stand with young people during the June 2024 anti-government protests.
“The Broad-Based Youth Front will carry this mandate to its logical conclusion,” McOure said at the time. “If the government delivers, we shall face the nation and argue for continuity. If it fails, we will speak the truth without fear.”
As the partnership takes shape, it places McOure at the centre of efforts to link policy with grassroots youth engagement, a role that could test how effectively the government can translate its promises into real economic opportunities for young Kenyans.
