Youths across Kenya’s 47 counties now have a platform to access information, engage with leaders, and explore government opportunities, including scholarships and job placements worldwide.
Addressing youth from all nine constituencies of Bungoma County during the National Launch of the Wazo Youth Engagement Forum at Kibabii University Grounds, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, announced that the initiative would be implemented nationwide to empower Kenyan youth.
The programme would connect young people with key empowerment avenues such as the Youth Fund Kenya, Uwezo Fund, and the recently launched National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA), enhancing sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.
CS Mvurya asked the youth to be patient, saying that the National Youth Council elections would take place soon, with resources allocated to ensure a smooth process from the ward level to the national stage.
“These forums will bridge the gap between youth and existing government initiatives, providing insights into skills development programs that can enhance their livelihoods while nurturing their passions, talents, innovation, and creativity,” said CS Mvurya.
Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka youths to remain open-minded and proactive, emphasizing that opportunities often arise through challenges.
He encouraged them to take the initiative and assured them that support would follow once they embarked on their journeys.
Deputy Governor, Jennipher Mbatiany, praised Bungoma youth for their hard work and stressed the importance of networking, engagement, and the responsible use of technology to drive positive change.
She asked them to leverage digital platforms for development rather than division.
READ ALSO:
Good news for Keiyo North students as KSh 60 million bursary kicks off
Under the theme “Gumzo Na Vijana,” the National Youth Council Kenya (NYC) Youth Advisory Board Chairperson Sophie Nekoye proposed holding the National Wazo Youth Engagement Forum quarterly to maintain momentum and engagement.
The forum marks a major step toward ensuring that young people are equipped with skills, well-informed, and empowered to contribute to Kenya’s social, economic, and political development.
During the event, Gloria Wawira, Chairperson and CEO of the National Youth Council of Kenya, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kibabii University management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Odeo Ipara. The MoU aims to strengthen ties to drive youth development and academic excellence.
Other notable leaders in attendance included Youth Affairs and Creative Economy PS Ismail Madey, Kanduyi MP Hon. John Makali, and Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei, among other dignitaries.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
