The East Africa Youth Parliament has convened its 5th Financial Governance and Leadership Seminar in Meru, bringing together young leaders, policymakers and accountability institutions to deliberate on transparency and public finance management.
The forum, held at Alba Hotel, was officially opened by Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma.
Organised in partnership with the National Treasury, the Office of the Controller of Budget and the Office of the Auditor General, the four-day seminar, running from April 21 to 24, brings together participants from across the region to engage experts on accountability and leadership.
Speaking during the opening session, East Africa Youth Parliament President Jeremiah M. Kisangau said the forum has been carefully designed to bridge the gap between youth leaders and decision-makers.
He noted that sustained planning has ensured the seminar offers both learning and networking opportunities.
“We, as the East African Youth Parliament and our partners, have worked tirelessly to ensure this event is meaningful. For those joining us, I assure you that what you are about to learn is not only valuable to you but also to our nation,” said Kisangau.
Kisangau further announced a new collaboration with public universities that will see participants in the program earn certification after completing a structured training process.
The initiative is expected to enhance the value of the seminar and improve participants’ professional prospects.
In addition, East Africa Youth Parliament Secretary General Mugwe Kevin described the seminar as a milestone, citing the presence of both experienced professionals and young participants as a key achievement.
He said the intergenerational engagement reflects the organisation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in governance.
“When I entered the room this morning, I was impressed to see both seasoned experts, including finance professionals, and Gen Z participants in the same space. For me, that is the most remarkable achievement of this seminar,” said Mugwe.
Mugwe emphasised the urgency of shifting from policy discussions to implementation, noting that the current edition had underscored the need for action-driven strategies.
He noted that meaningful change in governance will depend on how quickly ideas are translated into practice.
“This fifth edition has taught us that as we change our strategy from policy, we have to focus on action, because we can move a lot of policies, but if we don’t act, we will not be able to go anywhere,” he added.
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County Commissioner Jacob Ouma assured participants of their safety during their stay in Meru, encouraging them to explore the region freely.
He said security agencies have put in place adequate measures to guarantee their protection throughout the seminar period.
“The security in Meru County has been well taken care of, and thus you are welcome to visit any part of the county,” said Ouma.
By John Majau
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