Bungoma County Assembly adopts youth, sports policies

By Peter Ochieng

The County Assembly of Bungoma has adopted the landmark Youth Policy, 2024, and the Sports Policy, 2024.

The adoption sets the stage for transformative initiatives aimed at empowering the county’s youth and bolstering the sports sector.

It follows the tabling of a report by the Sectoral Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports, chaired by Mihuu Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Violet Makhanu. The policies are designed to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s administration, through a consultative and inclusive process, developed the policies to prioritize youth participation in decision-making and socio-economic activities.

The Youth Policy 2024 underscores the importance of institutionalizing youth involvement in legislative processes, policy formulation, and decision-making.

Additionally, it aims to promote healthy living among the youth by integrating family life education programs and raising awareness about critical social issues.

According to a dispatch from Lusaka’s administration, the policy seeks to combat youth unemployment by emphasizing capacity building, talent development, internships, and financial support for business start-ups.

“Specific attention is given to vulnerable groups, including young women, youth with disabilities, unemployed youth, rural youth, school dropouts, those living with HIV/AIDS, and youth-headed households,” adds the statement.

On the other hand, Sports Policy 2024, complements the Youth Policy by focusing on enhancing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across Bungoma County.

It seeks to position sports as a critical pillar of youth development while fostering unity and social cohesion. Governor Lusaka has consistently emphasized the need to invest in young people, as the driving force behind the county's socio-economic transformation.

“Our youth are the future and through these policies, we are building a foundation for a generation that is empowered, innovative, and self-reliant,” he said during a recent address.

The move has been touted as a significant step in advancing governor Lusaka’s agenda for youth empowerment and socio-economic development in Bungoma County.