Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH

Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH is one of Kenya's most distinguished public servants — a leader whose career spans the frontlines of civil society, county governance, and national policy-making. Decorated with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) in recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, he currently serves as Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports in the Government of Kenya.

With over 27 years of cross-sector experience, Hon. Mvurya brings a rare convergence of grassroots development expertise and high-level government leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business Management from Egerton University and a Master's Degree in Participation, Power and Social Change from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK — academic foundations that have shaped his evidence-driven approach to governance and social transformation.

Before entering elected office, Hon. Mvurya built a formidable career in the NGO and international development sector. He served with Plan International Kenya — including as Acting Country Director in 2008 — the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development. His programmes spanning education, health, livelihoods, child protection and democratic governance were funded by DFID, USAID, NORAD, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Finland, reflecting an exceptional ability to mobilise international partnerships around shared development goals.

Elected as the inaugural Governor of Kwale County in 2013, Hon. Mvurya served two consecutive terms until 2022, earning recognition as a model of devolved governance in Kenya. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors and Chairperson of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani. Appointed Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs in October 2022, he subsequently led the Investments, Trade and Industry portfolio before assuming his current role overseeing Kenya's youth empowerment and creative economy agenda.

At the Global NGO Stakeholders Summit 2026, Hon. Mvurya brings an indispensable perspective on the intersection of government policy and civil society action — offering insights on scaling NGO impact through strategic public-private-civil society collaboration, resource mobilisation, and inclusive development frameworks fit for Africa's next chapter.