By Antony Blaize

On 18th February 2026, religious leaders, government representatives, development partners and civil society representatives converged at Panari Hotel, Nairobi, to mark the National Launch and Dissemination of the Population Situation Analysis (PSA) 2025 Report, organized by the National Council for Population and Development.

Figure 1: Mr. Linus Nthigai, Executive Director Inter-Religious Council of Kenya receiving a copy of the launched report during the event

The event, which attracted high-level representatives from all sectors such as education, health, immigration, gender, youth, and environment, reinforced a single overriding theme: The population situation in Kenya is not only a concern for the government but a collective moral and social responsibility.

Kenya has made significant strides in reducing fertility rates, expanding access to family planning and strengthening population data systems. However, increasing unemployment, a mismatch between education and labor market needs and mounting population pressure still present major development challenges.

A Time for National Reflection

The launch ceremony, which was presided over by the Director General of NCPD Dr. Mohamed Sheikh and attended by representatives from the implementing partners and development agencies such as the United Nations Population Fund, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the understanding of the population situation in Kenya.

The report highlighted an expanding mismatch between the competencies imparted in schools and universities and those demanded by the labor market. This gap has fueled increasing youth unemployment, as certain sectors grapple with an oversupply of workers while others struggle with acute shortages of essential skills.

Figure 2: Dr Mohamed Sheikh Director General, NCPD opening remarks on Kenya’s population dynamics are rapidly shifting, marked by a significant youth bulge

Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, the Director General Economic Planning, Dr. Masini Ichwara, acknowledged notable progress in demographic data collection and representation. He praised Prof. Alfred Agwanda for spearheading the research, analysis, and compilation of the PSA 2025 report, terming it an essential instrument for shaping Kenya’s population planning and policy agenda.

Dr. Ichwara underscored that the report lays a strategic groundwork for converting population data into practical policies that foster economic transformation, boost productivity, and promote equitable resource distribution. He further noted that NCPD remains a crucial link between the national and county governments, advancing transparency and accountability in the allocation of public resources.

Why This Matters to Religious Leaders

Kenya is a deeply religious nation. Faith leaders guide communities on issues of family life, youth mentorship, moral formation, health behaviors, environmental stewardship and social cohesion. The PSA 2025 findings intersect directly with these realities.

“Population is not merely numbers, it is about people, families, dignity, and the future we are shaping for generations to come.” – Mr. Nthigai

For the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), the PSA presents a strategic opportunity. The demographic realities highlighted in the report, especially youth unemployment, early pregnancies, access to education, migration pressures and climate vulnerability are issues religious leaders encounter daily at the grassroots level.

The Faith-Development Link

The PSA 2025 underscores that sustainable development requires:

• Strengthening family systems
• Investing in youth empowerment
• Promoting responsible parenthood
• Enhancing education access
• Addressing gender inequalities
• Building climate resilience

These are not foreign concepts to faith communities. They are central teachings in churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship.

“If we want policies to translate into real change at the household level, we must engage faith leaders they are trusted voices in every village, every ward and every county.” Has been a rallying call from Mr. Linus Nthigai, Executive Director Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK)

A Call to Religious Leaders

IRCK urges religious leaders across Kenya to actively engage with the PSA 2025 findings and integrate them into sermons, teachings and community forums. They are encouraged to champion youth empowerment initiatives within their congregations, promote family dialogue on education, health and responsible parenting, and collaborate with county governments in awareness creation and community mobilization, while embedding environmental stewardship in faith teachings as a shared moral responsibility.

Faith communities have unparalleled reach. Every week, millions of Kenyans gather in places of worship. This network can accelerate national goals from improving health outcomes to advancing gender justice and climate action.

Moving from Report to Action

The official launch of the PSA 2025 Report marks not an end, but a beginning. The evidence is clear. The demographic realities are urgent. The moral responsibility is shared.

IRCK stands ready to collaborate with NCPD, government ministries and development partners to ensure that faith communities become active partners in translating data into dignity, policy into practice and statistics into transformed lives.