According to Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, his government is committed towards enhancing youth talents and has put in place various projects, plans and policies to aid the growth of youth in society.
Speaking during a youth convention dubbed ‘KIKAO’ at Masinde Muliro University this Saturday, Oparanya sited the establishment of the department of youth affairs in his government as a show of his commitment in supporting matters of youth empowerment.
The County Boss highlighted the establishment of County HELB loans that has so far benefited more than 1,206 university students from his county and the setting aside of Ksh. 20 Million to benefit each of the 52 Polytechnics in the County as examples of the much devolution in his County has done to increase accessibility to education.
“We are also, in partnership with USAID, offering free training to more than 50 youth in each of the 12 Sub Counties in Kakamega County so as to equip them with basic technical skills that can help them earn a living.” Oparanya said in his address.
The Orange Democratic Movement Deputy Party leader further elaborated that his Government had put in place ‘mikopo mashinani’ a project that has already enabled more than 6000 youth access loans to help them start businesses and innovations.
“My Government has also employed 40 youth in every ward under the project of ‘kazi mashinani’ in which this youth are also trained on entrepreneur skills.’’
He went on to express his commitment at supporting sports in the region –the upgrading of Bukhungu stadium into Bukhungu International stadium, a project that will be implemented in three phases of an allocation of Ksh. 400 Million each and the establishment of the Governor’s Cup, an annual tournament sponsored by his government and which involves all the wards being such examples.
“There is so much we are doing, that are geared towards empowering the youth, with the employment of more than 1000 ECD teachers and 745 Secondary school teachers serving the same purpose, “the Former Butere Member of Parliament added.
He cited alcoholism and lack of motivation and aggressiveness as some of the challenges his Government and the national Government are facing in uplifting the standards of youths in society.
The function that brought together more than 3700 youth from the larger former Western Province was graced by the Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Addressing the congregation, the Opposition Chief highlighted the need for youth to step up into leadership positions.
“Raila will not be there forever. More and more youth need to get up and take the mantle of leadership,” he said.
“There is, therefore, the need for the government of the day to prove their support towards youth by creating more and more jobs to reduce the unemployment rates in the country,” Raila added.
“Youth need education so as to transform the economy of this country.”
He used the platform to reiterate the Opposition’s commitment in fighting corruption and tribalism.
“We have been on the forefront in fighting corruption and the war is still on. Corruption is eating this country, the Eurobond and NYS saga are just examples of this,” said the ODM party leader.
“Corruption chases away potential investors,” he concluded.
Speaking in the function that went by the theme ‘wezesha vijana kwenye uongozi –ujana si hukumu’ (enable youth in leadership –being a youth shouldn’t be judged), nominated Senator Daisy Kanainza expressed his gratitude at how much devolution had managed to improve in terms of infrastructure and development asking for more support from the National government.
“When you look around today, so much has changed, thanks to devolution,” the youthful Senator said.
The event was organized by youth leadership in the region and was also attended by Kakamega County deputy Governor Prof. Philip Kutima, area Member of Parliament Rafael Otaalo, his Kasipul Kabondo counterpart Silvanus Osele, and nominated senator Elizabeth Ongoro, investigative journalist Mohamed Ali amongst other dignitaries.
The congregation was meant for youth in the region to meet their leaders and express their areas of interest, with their questions answered by the leadership of the day.
