Leaders in Tharaka Nithi County have been urged to work together in a bid to conserve culture and nurture talent among the youth as a way of promoting economic growth in the region.
The Chuka University Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Erastus Njoka said by so doing, the leaders will not only help the youth earn an honest living, but also facilitate them participate in nation building.
“Those with different talents will be moving into different areas where they can not only showcase their abilities but will also learn new ideas from others across the country and beyond,” he said.
Prof. Njoka who was speaking during Muthambi ward Talent search at Kajiunduthi Secondary School in Maara Sub-county Saturday, added that the initiative will also be a major booster in eliminating criminal activities.
The VC further called on parents to allow their children to pursue careers of their choice, but instead support them in pursuing their own passion as a way of empowering the upcoming generation.
However, Prof. Njoka took issue with leaders who normally misuse the youth by dishonestly helping them write proposals to access government money but invest the same in their own businesses.
The VC also asked county leaders to regularly hold meetings with the local professionals so that they can share ideas on how to bring growth in the area.
“Our leaders and professionals should work together so that they can share different ideas on how to develop the county and come up with ways on how they can support local talents in the county,” he concluded.
Speaking at the same event, the Director General (DG) of National Museums, Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia noted that devolution may exploit national resources by mostly supporting culture, talent and tourism which are a major source of revenue for the country.
Dr. Kibunjia added that county governments and national government should work together to support culture, where he promised to fully support the construction of the proposed Mega Talent Academy in Muthambi ward, Maara sub county.
“I will fully support exploitation of talents and culture in Tharaka-Nithi so that even our county will grow together with others. By supporting local talents the county will be rich with ideas and criminal activities will minimize among the youth,” said the DG.
Speaking at the same function, the Mugwe ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Dennis Mutwiri and his Muthambi ward counterpart, Nyaga Muisraeli also asked the national government to support the initiative for the benefit of talented youths as well as those living with disabilities.
By David Mutwiri
