Kericho: Youths in Kericho have been urged to remain champions of peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership as elders and clergy pushed for the government to make the 30-percent public procurement requirement for contracts reserved for young people more accessible and actionable.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Myot Kipsigis Council of Elders' Chairperson, Richard Ng'eno, praised the youth of Kericho for their calm and peaceful conduct during recent national protests, contrasting their restraint with the turmoil in other parts of the country. He noted that their decision to uphold peace amidst provocation demonstrated leadership and maturity.
Ng'eno highlighted the government's efforts to empower the youth through initiatives promoting access to jobs, entrepreneurship, and public procurement opportunities. He emphasized that these programs are crucial for building an inclusive and sustainable future for the next generation by ensuring that the 30-percent procurement allocation translates into real contracts and meaningful employment.
In an interview with KNA, Ng'eno acknowledged the government's commendable efforts to empower the youth but stressed the need to deepen the impact of the 30 percent procurement allocation for young people. He urged the government to make the procurement quota truly accessible, emphasizing that it is a constitutional commitment that should be fully honored.
Ng'eno further stated that facilitating easier access to these opportunities would reinforce the gains made so far and inspire greater youth participation in national development.
Kericho County Youth President, Elkana Mutai, echoed the call for more inclusive and structured youth empowerment initiatives. He noted that despite government programs opening doors for young people, significant barriers remain in accessing transformative opportunities. Mutai stressed that youth seek meaningful involvement in the economic and leadership fabric of the country, not handouts or token gestures.
Mutai emphasized the importance of access to government tenders, jobs, and leadership opportunities for the youth. He warned that sidelining their economic aspirations risks fueling frustration and a sense of exclusion among a generation with immense potential. He stressed that the youth's energy, creativity, and drive are critical assets that must be actively harnessed to shape Kenya's future.
The elders, blessing the youth, announced a follow-up engagement in Kapkatet, expected to gather government officials, development partners, and young entrepreneurs to chart a more inclusive path for youth empowerment. They emphasized that empowering youth is a national obligation rooted in justice and equity.
The forum concluded with the symbolic restoration of a decorative wheelbarrow, an emblem of the ruling UDA Party, which had been defaced during past demonstrations. Its reinstatement was embraced by the youth as a sign of reconciliation and a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive future.