At just 28 years old, Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has cemented his status as a standout performer in the current administration, securing double honours at the state’s most prestigious public service review this weekend.

The recognition came during the 2025 Public Service Reflection Dinner and Agenda Setting for 2026, a high-stakes gathering where the government takes stock of its performance. For a docket often viewed historically as peripheral, Jacobs’ double win signals a shift in the administration's focus toward the Youth and Creative Economy as critical economic pillars.

A Vote of Confidence for the Youth Agenda

The ceremony, presided over by the Executive Office of the President through the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, serves as the ultimate scorecard for government officials. Jacobs, who serves in the State Department of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, was singled out for exceptional performance in a room filled with seasoned bureaucrats and cabinet secretaries.

For the millions of young Kenyans currently navigating the gig economy and digital content creation, this recognition at the top level offers a glimmer of hope. It suggests that the government’s push to monetize the creative sector—turning likes and views into rent and school fees—is gaining traction within the corridors of power.

Taking to social media to celebrate the milestone, the former University of Nairobi student leader remained grounded.

“This is for God,” Jacobs stated via Facebook, describing the achievement as both “humbling and encouraging.”

The Rise of a Political Prodigy

Jacobs’ trajectory remains one of the most compelling narratives in the current government. His transition from the rough-and-tumble world of student union politics to the polished halls of the State Department has been rapid.

• Age Factor: At 28, he remains the youngest Permanent Secretary, bridging the generational gap in a cabinet dominated by older technocrats.
• The Portfolio: He oversees the Creative Economy, a sector vital for curbing youth unemployment in Kenya.
• The Event: The 2025 Gala was not just about awards; it set the tone for the 2026 fiscal agenda, placing Jacobs at the center of future planning.

While specific details on the criteria for the two awards remain administrative, analysts view them as an endorsement of his aggressive campaigns to digitize talent and secure international partnerships for Kenyan creatives.

As the government pivots to its 2026 agenda, the pressure will now mount on the young PS to translate these plaques into tangible policies that put money in the pockets of Kenyan youth.