Youth from across the North Rift region submitted their views on the Youth Draft Bill 2024, with the top request being the exception of youth from the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) requirement when they seek loans.
The youth emphasized the need to ease this and other requirements that hinder access to finance and grants to help them make progress in their economic ventures.
The public participation forum and freedom for youth to submit their views are a testament to the government’s collective commitment to empowering the youth of Kenya as the backbone of legislation.
During the forum, Jeremiah Rambo from Uasin Gishu County implored the government to also subsidise the fee required for one to obtain the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate, noting that the majority of the youth from vulnerable backgrounds cannot afford the certificate, which is a very important document to them.
On his part, Desmond Koono from Turkana County urged the State Department for Youth, Creative Affairs, and Sports to come up with measures to engage talented youth who have been turned into alcoholics due to unemployment, in order to tap their talents through activities like sports, indoor games, and others.
Purity Jeruto from Elgeyo Marakwet County emphasized the need to enact sufficient security measures to protect the youth from cyberbullying and ensure safe space for the youth in order to spearhead sustainable national development goals.
In his remarks, Kennedy Mutai suggested speedy and effective implementation of projects meant to benefit the youth.
Speaking during the engagement, the Secretary, Administration (SA) in the State Department for Youth, Creative Affairs, and Sports, Alan Machari, indicated that the government is keen on tapping the potential of the youth.
“Youth being the majority of the population worldwide, every government wants to ensure that they are contributing to their own well-being and that of the country,” he noted.
The SA noted that the bill is supposed to organise how the youth can utilise their immense potential, which is why the government and World Bank partnered to bring about the robust discussion on the Youth Bill 2024 across the 47 counties.
“This is a very special moment for you. Please utilise it to make a mark in history. You are entitled to your thoughts. The voices of all of us across the country will be used to make the final decision on this Bill,” said Machari.
In his remarks, the Director of Youth Development in charge of entrepreneurship and Skills Development, George Mbogo, said the whole process will culminate in an Act of Parliament for youth empowerment.
Ainabkoi Deputy County Commissioner Edward Lelgo, who officially opened the stakeholder engagement on behalf of the County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, pointed out that the bill seeks to give effect to Article 55 of the Constitution of Kenya, provide protection mechanisms for vulnerable youth, and represent the official decision-making processes and ensure their participation in the sustainable development initiatives in the country.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
