PS Fikirini Jacobs Faces Backlash Over ‘Self-Congratulatory’ Billboard

Newly appointed Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has sparked controversy just weeks into his role after erecting a billboard celebrating his own appointment.

The billboard, which publicly thanks President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, has drawn fierce criticism on social media platforms for what many describe as self-promotion at the taxpayer’s expense.

The controversial billboard, prominently featured on Jacobs’ official Facebook page, displays the message, “Congratulations Fikirini Jacobs for your appointment as Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy. Thank you H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Raila Odinga for the appointment.”

Jacobs captioned the accompanying video, “Many thanks my dear comrades of the Ruthless Focus. This is for God and Country!”

The public response has been swift and largely negative, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users condemned the display as inappropriate and wasteful.

“Welcome to Kenya, where politicians erect ‘thank you billboards’ after being appointed,” wrote @DukeOfOthaya, capturing the sentiment of many critics.

User @SirJamesKE called the billboard “absolutely diabolical and a slap on the face of young people,” arguing that it undermines Jacobs’ opportunity to demonstrate effective youth leadership.

Questions about the funding source for the billboard have also emerged. @WatuSaba suggested, “You’ll be surprised that public money was used to put it up,” while @HChiruka criticized the expenditure, stating, “Spending money on a billboard to pass a message that can be done through a text or a lunch meeting at most is diabolical.”

The controversy reflects growing public intolerance for perceived extravagance by government officials during challenging economic times.

A recent commentary by @KenyaWatchdog noted, “Kenyans are tired of leaders who prioritize personal branding over service delivery. Public funds must be scrutinized.”

Reaction has been more favorable on Facebook, however, where supporters have praised Jacobs’ achievement.

“You have inspired us as youths. One can become anything, so long as one puts their trust in the Lord and works hard,” commented Mwarogo Chidari.

Another supporter, Alice Masudi, added, “Comrade, you have a bright future… keep the focus.”

Jacobs brings significant credentials to his new role. Before his appointment, he served as a county executive for youth development and chaired the National Youth Council.

His career has been marked by advocacy for youth inclusion in governance and skillful navigation between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The controversy emerges as the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy faces mounting pressure to create jobs and economic opportunities for Kenya’s youth, who constitute over 35% of the population.

Critics argue that Jacobs’ billboard detracts from these urgent priorities.

“We need PS Jacobs to focus on policies that empower young entrepreneurs, not billboards that glorify appointments,” posted @YouthKE, encapsulating widespread sentiment.

The PS has pulled down the controversial post but yet to address the criticism.

The incident raises important questions about the appropriate use of resources and the standards to which Kenya’s youth leaders are held.

Meanwhile, the billboard continues to draw scrutiny, testing public confidence in a leader charged with advancing the interests of Kenya’s younger generation.