Several youth groups from Kibra, Mukuru and Mathare in Nairobi today gathered at the AMREF grounds in Kibra to celebrate the International Youth Day.
A procession to mark the global event that is meant to recognise the efforts of the youth in the society was flagged off by area MP Ken Okoth alongside Kibra Sub-County Youth Officer Mrs. Elector Opar at Kibra Social Ground. The procession ended at AMREF grounds in Laini Saba.
During the flagging off ceremony, the MP called on the youth to come out and participate in governance by vying for leadership positions. He said they can also keep watch of those in positions of power so as to ensure that they deliver to the expectations of the electorates.
“It is time for the young people to fully participate in governance. The youth should compete for political posts including the position of presidency. It is also important for them to exercise their democratic rights by voting good leaders as well as monitoring governors,” said Okoth.
Various youth leaders and activists attended the event led by the chairman of Lang'ata Youth Network Mr Daniel Orogo, Human rights activist Stanslaus Alusiola and Nubian ambassador Siyama Ismail.
Miss Siyama challenged the government to improve the process of issuance of Identification cards to the youth. “It is unfair that some young people have to wait for quite a long time before getting their ID cards even after they have registered. It becomes even more difficult to obtain the IDs in cases where the authorities require one to be endorsed by close relatives who might not be present,” lamented Siyama.
According Alusiola, it is high time that the society realises and backs the potential of the young generation regardless of their financial status.
“In most cases, financial crisis hinders the young people from giving out their best especially in terms of leadership. It would be good if they are not rated on the basis of how much money they have if they are to provide leadership,” noted Alusiola.