Over 400 million dollars have been invested in the country, indicating that Kenyans have maintained peace even as the country approaches the 2022 general election.
Speaking today during the 3rd National Students Convention on Youth, Peace and Election ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs CS Joe Mucheru challenged the youth to engage themselves fully in peace building efforts for the sake of national development as the country approaches the 2022 General Election.
“This week I launched a submarine fibre optic cable system expected to provide high-speed internet connectivity in Kenya and the East African region. The cable is worth over 400 million dollars. Microsoft has also opened its first Africa Development Centre in the country and has promised to hire thousands of local engineers. This is the type of development enabled through Government,” said CS.
He called upon the young people to stop being misguided through social media and also be very careful of what they tweet, adding that information is very crucial and at times it could culminate in chaos.
“We have over 35 million youths in Kenya. If we all consider continuity and development in the country, then we shall maintain peace thus building the Kenyan economy regardless of whom we vote for,” said Mucheru.
Mucheru said it is alright to align with a political side and participate in our democracy but peace is paramount and should always prevail.
The CS expressed the importance of youth participation in politics and the electoral process as long as Kenya remained a priority.
Speaking during the event Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi called upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to provide data on the most peaceful county during and after the election so as to encourage one another to maintain peace in the country.
“The youth are full of energy and should contribute positively to the development of the country through undying love for the country,” he said.
Nabukwesi stressed on the importance of a collective national character that cuts across age, gender, creed or religion.
“Any great man in history is remembered not for what he did for himself but for what he did for others. We have a responsibility to remain peaceful during the election and engage in a civil manner,” he said.
The Universities and Colleges Students’ Peace Association of Kenya (USCPAK) Advisory board chairperson Professor Chacha Nyaigotti called upon the youth to avoid any form of chaos during and after the general election.
“Voting is our right, but it is also our mandate to maintain peace and say no to individuals who want to use us to cause chaos in our country,” he added.
By Catherine Muindi and Mike Mulinge
