The much anticipated Nyamira youth summit scheduled on December 27, has received a backing from area Senator Okongo Mong’are.
The meeting is expected to bring together youths from across Nyamira County to discuss social-economic issues affecting the young population according to organising chairman Nyambega Gisesa.
Mong’are becomes the first elected leader to endorse the meeting which has attracted interests from many youth in a number of social media forums saying during his maiden visit in Nyansiongo Township on Monday that it will define the destiny of the ‘marginalised’ population.
“I have been following the developments of our youth keenly and I am happy that at last they have opened their eyes and are ready to define theyir destiny as a first step of fighting marginalisation in terms of economic opportunities,” he said.
However, Okong’o urged conveners to ensure only contemporary issues affecting the youths are discussed and warned against allowing politicians to hijack the agenda for selfish interests.
“I know how it is difficult when youth meet because they have different political views and that could be easily used as a weak point by certain politicians to hijack the gist of the meeting and use it as a campaign tool.
That should not be allowed and I want to urge the organisers to ensure it remains a real youth affair,” he said.
He urged youths to come up with several proposals and submit them to the incumbent county leaders for further action.
“I would wish to urge them to submit proposals to county leaders so that we discuss as a group on what should be done to empower them economically,” he added.
He said only such forums could help the youth to stamp their authority in matters governance rather than allowing greedy politicians to use them as vessels to clinch leadership.