From Two University Expulsions to Principal Secretary at 28: Fikirini Jacobs’ Journey

Fikirini Jacobs is the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, having been appointed to the position at the age of 28, making him one of the youngest Principal Secretaries in the Government of Kenya.

Born and raised in Bamba, Ganze Constituency, Kilifi County, Fikirini Jacobs attended Mnagoni Primary School before joining Mwakitawa Secondary School, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2014.

In 2015, he enrolled at Maasai Mara University to pursue a Bachelor of Education (Arts). During his time at the university, he ventured into student leadership and was elected Deputy President of the Students’ Organisation of Maasai Mara University (SOMMU).

However, his studies were interrupted in 2017 after he was expelled following allegations linking him to student protests against the university administration.

Fikirini Jacobs Faces Two University Expulsions

Following his departure from Maasai Mara University, Jacobs transferred to Pwani University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

At Pwani, he again rose through student leadership and was elected President of the Pwani University Students’ Association (PUSA).

However, in 2019, he was expelled after publishing an opinion article titled Why the VC Must Go by All Means Necessary, which the university administration associated with student unrest.

With the intervention of leaders from the Coast region, Jacobs was later readmitted and completed his studies, graduating from Pwani University in 2023.

Also Read: Family Demands Justice After Youth Dies in Shooting Linked to PS’s Bodyguard

Political Journey and Connection With Raila Odinga

While at Pwani University, he organised a gathering outside the university along the Kilifi-Malindi highway during a political event attended by the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga.

While at Pwani University, he organised a gathering outside the university along the Kilifi-Malindi highway during a political event attended by former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

On his return journey, Odinga stopped at the gathering and was introduced to Jacobs, an encounter that marked the beginning of their political association.

Fikirini Jacobs later served as Kilifi County Youth Leader for the ODM, where he championed youth mobilisation and civic engagement.

Meanwhile, his growing relationship with Odinga saw him participate in several ODM events, including the party leader’s final presidential campaign rally at Kasarani in 2022, where he was among the speakers.

Beyond ODM, Jacobs served as President Emeritus of the Kenya Union of Students Organisations (KUSO), further cementing his profile as a youth leader.

Describing himself as a “Revolutionary, Communist, Believer in God” on social media, Jacobs has built a following among young Kenyans through his outspoken political views.

Also Read: Gideon Moi Profile: Education, Career, Family and Net Worth

Appointment as Principal Secretary

Before joining the national government, he served as Director of the Governor’s Service Delivery Unit in Kilifi County under Governor Gideon Mung’aro.

In the role, he coordinated the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and oversaw programmes aimed at improving service delivery to residents.

In April 2025, Jacobs was among several ODM-affiliated leaders appointed to the government following the ODM–Kenya Kwanza cooperation agreement, popularly referred to as the broad-based government.

He was appointed Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, becoming one of the youngest Principal Secretaries in Kenya’s history.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

PS Fikirini Jacobs with President William Ruto.Photo/ File