The National Youth Council (NYC) now wants the government to streamline operations at youth programmes in the country and stop wanton corruption.
Western Kenya Youth Council members meeting in Kisumu on Monday felt that youth programmes were vulnerable to corruption.
William Mbeche, the chairman Migori County NYC, said more resources have been pumped into youth programmes but there is little to show for it.
Mbeche said the funds have been plundered and young people left to wallow in poverty.
“Youth programmes have continued to draw huge chunks of money whenever the budget is read. This money is just enriching a few individuals while young people continue to suffer in silence,” he said.
He said the government must bring to book those entrusted to manage the youth funds that eventually turn to loot the same resources.
Addressing a press conference in Kisumu, Barnabas Odeny, representing Kisumu County, said it is time for young people to stand up for their rights.
Odeny appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to crack the whip and bring sanity into youth programmes.
He said that most of the programmes created by President Kenyatta upon his election have been run down by corrupt officials.
“Most of the youth funds are dead and we want the government to step in and salvage these prorammes which had good intentions towards alleviating poverty among the youth,” he said.
Odeny cited Uwezo Fund that was meant to uplift young people economically but has been hijacked by politicians.