Bungoma’s youth policy ready for approval, implementation - Lusaka

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka has assured youth in the county of great tidings going into the future.

The county chief confirmed that the much-anticipated youth policy, crafted by the County Executive has successfully passed through the County Assembly, and is now poised for final approval and implementation.

Speaking at Kibabii University during the county's International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations, governor Lusaka addressed the policy's crucial role in enhancing youth participation in county governance.

"The youth policy will serve as a cornerstone in ensuring that the voices of our young people are heard and considered in the governance of our county," he said.

He touted the policy as a critical step towards empowering the youth, and involving them in decision-making processes that affect their future.

Additionally, he announced that his administration had established the Bungoma County Youth Directorate, and advertised for the position of Youth Director.

Once appointed, the Youth Director will be responsible for coordinating youth issues and affairs across the county. He called on the young people to leverage the county's Ajiry Digital platforms, established in the county’s 9 constituencies, to enhance their digital skills for online job opportunities.

At the national level, Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives such as NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement), the National Youth Council, and others that aim to enhance the livelihoods of our young people and propel our nation to new heights.

“By focusing on Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry, we shall engage young people, ensuring that they are informed, empowered, and ready to drive national development.

The IYD is marked every August 12. This year’s theme is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development."

This year's celebrations, Murkomen said, align with the digital superhighway initiative under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA), which acknowledges the crucial role of youth in shaping Kenya's digital future.