Politicians from Nyanza have been told to encourage and mentor youth in the region to vie for leadership positions come the next general election.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu, Rangwe Constituency Development Fund Chairman Michael Nyangi challenged local politicians to mentor the youth saying they hold the key to development in the region in the coming years.
The CDF boss said Nyanza was lagging behind as a result of the disconnect between elected leaders and youth from the region.
“The youth hold the key to the future in this region. They do not only possess fresh ideas but the energy, will and technological know-how to champion development in Nyanza,” said Nyang’i.
“The only thing missing is the connection between them and elected leaders who have resources to make their dreams come true,” he said.
The official challenged local leaders not to wait for 2017 only to manipulate the youth and use them for their own political interests.
“The leaders must now encourage the youth to stand out and take leadership positions come the next general election. The youth on the other hand must not wait for handouts during campaigns come 2017, instead, they should prepare to replace the current crop of leaders by actively taking part in the election come 2017,” he said.
In addition, the CDF chairman promised to facilitate a meeting between interested youth in the region with political leaders who would have bought the idea.
“The meeting is supposed to help bridge the gap and further give an opportunity for the leaders to brainstorm together with the youth on social-political and economic development of the region ahead of 2017,” he added.