The Bungoma County Assembly has officially adopted the Youth Policy, 2024, and the Sports Policy, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to empower its youth and strengthen the sports sector.
The adoption followed the tabling of a comprehensive report by the Sectoral Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports, chaired by Hon. Violet Makhanu. The policies, which have been formulated under the leadership of Governor Kenneth Lusaka, are designed to create a supportive environment for young people to thrive, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the county’s development.
Governor Lusaka, a staunch advocate for youth empowerment, expressed his pride in the adoption of these policies, highlighting them as critical tools to address the challenges facing the county’s youth. With a firm belief in the power of young people to drive change, the Governor has championed these policies as part of his broader vision to build a vibrant, innovative, and self-reliant youth population.
“The future of our county lies in the hands of our youth,” said Governor Lusaka during a recent address. “By prioritizing youth empowerment through these policies, we are laying the foundation for a generation that is not only well-equipped but also inspired to lead and innovate.”
Key Highlights of the Youth Policy, 2024
The Youth Policy, 2024, outlines a comprehensive approach to fostering youth development across multiple sectors. Key provisions include:
- Youth Participation: Institutionalizing youth involvement in decision-making processes, including legislative affairs and policy formulation, to ensure their voices are heard at all levels of governance.
- Health and Well-being: Promoting healthy living among the youth through family life education programs and raising awareness about critical social issues like mental health and substance abuse.
- Job Creation and Economic Empowerment: Tackling youth unemployment by focusing on capacity building, skill development, internships, and offering financial support for youth-led startups and businesses.
- Inclusion: Paying special attention to vulnerable groups, including young women, youth with disabilities, rural youth, school dropouts, and those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Sports Policy, 2024: A Pillar for Youth Development
The newly adopted Sports Policy, 2024, complements the Youth Policy by focusing on sports as a vital aspect of youth development. Key areas of focus include:
- Infrastructure Development: Enhancing and expanding sports facilities across the county to provide better opportunities for young athletes to train and compete.
- Talent Nurturing: Establishing programs to identify, nurture, and support young sporting talent, ensuring that local athletes have the resources and guidance needed to excel on both regional and national stages.
- Social Cohesion: Promoting sports as a unifying force to foster community spirit, togetherness, and healthy competition among the youth.
A Vision for the Future
These policies are the result of an inclusive and consultative process led by the Governor’s administration, ensuring that the voices of young people from all corners of the county were heard and integrated into the policies. Governor Lusaka has consistently stressed that investing in youth is a crucial step toward achieving the county’s socio-economic transformation.
With the adoption of these transformative policies, the Bungoma County Assembly has taken a bold step toward addressing the many challenges facing its youth and providing them with the tools to build a brighter future. The policies are expected to not only empower young people but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous Bungoma County.
As Governor Lusaka aptly put it, “Our youth are the future, and through these policies, we are creating a platform where they can excel, contribute, and lead the way forward for the county.”
