NAIROBI, Kenya — Mombasa County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote youth innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development as part of broader efforts to address unemployment, drug abuse and other social challenges affecting young people.
Speaking during a high-level diplomatic breakfast hosted by Swahilipot Hub at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing, Urban Planning and Serikali Mtaani Mohammed Hussein Mohammed, popularly known as Amadoh, said the county is keen to collaborate with innovation hubs, development partners, the national government, diplomatic missions and the private sector to expand opportunities for young people.
Amadoh said Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir’s administration recognises the immense potential of the youth and remains committed to creating an enabling environment where innovation and talent can thrive.
“Mombasa County is open to partnerships that empower our young people through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development. We appreciate the remarkable work Swahilipot Hub has done in nurturing youth talent and creating opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
He noted that the county has rolled out initiatives including the Revolving Fund and Skills Mtaani programme to equip young people with practical skills, improve access to economic opportunities and reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse, crime and other social challenges.
According to Amadoh, collaboration with institutions such as Swahilipot Hub, national government agencies, Embassies and High commissions, development organisations and international partners will strengthen the county’s efforts to place young people at the centre of development.
“Young people should never feel excluded from development. They deserve platforms where they can showcase their ideas, creativity and talents while building sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
He said opportunities in technology, innovation, sports, culture, the creative arts, music and entrepreneurship have the potential to transform lives if adequately supported through partnerships, investment and mentorship.
“We cannot solve youth unemployment by government alone. Partnerships are the future, and that’s why we are working with institutions like Swahilipot Hub to ensure that every young person in Mombasa gets an opportunity to innovate, create and earn a dignified livelihood.” said Mr Mohammed.
Mohammed’s remarks echoed the vision shared by Swahilipot Hub during the forum, which brought together ambassadors, development agencies, private sector leaders, investors and county government representatives to explore ways of strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
Swahilipot Hub Chairperson and Chief Youth Mentor Mahmoud Noor said the organisation has spent more than a decade building pathways for young innovators through digital skills training, entrepreneurship, technology incubation and creative programmes.
“Our young people continue to develop solutions that address real societal challenges. What is needed now is a stronger ecosystem that connects talent to capital, markets and mentorship at scale,” Noor said.
He added that partnerships with county governments, diplomatic missions, development partners and investors are essential in expanding opportunities for young innovators and integrating local enterprises into regional and global markets.
The Nairobi engagement also marked the official build-up to the seventh edition of Pwani Innovation Week 2026, which is expected to bring together innovators, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to showcase emerging technologies and promote youth-led enterprise across the Coast region.
The collaboration between Mombasa County and Swahilipot Hub reflects growing recognition that sustainable youth empowerment requires coordinated investment in innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth while addressing social challenges facing young people.
