President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged Kenyans to emulate the youth who live and work together peaceful in their colleges irrespective of their backgrounds.
President Kenyatta said despite coming from different communities and different religions, young people have proved that Kenyans can live together and build a strong and stable nation for the benefit of all.
“The youth, coming out from all corners of the country, lived together and shared everything together they have as they train in colleges but the same cannot be said of the old generation who still think about tribe. We have to change that negative approach to life now,” the President said.
The President spoke when he addressed parents, guardians and well-wishers who attended Tuesday’s National Youth Service (NYS) recruits passing out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The Head of State said through unity of purpose Kenyans can achieve much in terms of development and economic growth.
“Unity is the only way through which we can prosper, tribalism and divisions cannot feed, create jobs or allow businesses to thrive. Our patriotism is what will help us progress in life,” said the President.
He called on Kenyans to be wary of politicians who are out to cause violence and urged them to ignore such leaders whose agenda is only to serve their narrow selfish interests.
President Kenyatta also assured Kenyans that all those involved in pilfering resources earmarked for the youth will be held accountable.
He said the NYS empowerment programme has transformed lives of many young Kenyans and he would not allow anybody to interfere or derail the programme, saying it has trained over 100,000 youths who are now conducting businesses throughout the country.
The President also noted that through the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), the youth have been able to mobilize Ksh 1.4 billion in savings.
“This morning I met some of the young people who successfully went through this programme and initiated several businesses with one employing close to 100 people,” said President Kenyatta.
Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua led other local leaders in thanking the President for directing the NYS management to increase its intake, saying it would offer opportunities to many more Kenyan youth.
_PSCU