In a significant move aimed at shaping the future of youth empowerment in Kenya, Magdalene Khaemba, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Talk To Save Youth (TSY) initiative, represented the Nakuru County Government at a public participation forum held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The event, which took place at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), saw Khaemba submit an official memorandum on the Youth Bill currently under review, advocating for policies that can better serve the needs of young people across the country.
The Importance of the Youth Bill
The Youth Bill is a piece of legislation designed to address various issues affecting young people in Kenya, such as unemployment, education, access to social services, and involvement in governance. The bill seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are active participants in the nation’s economic, political, and social life.
Public participation is a crucial part of the legislative process, allowing citizens, organizations, and local governments to provide input and feedback on proposed laws before they are enacted. This particular forum was organized to engage different stakeholders in the discussion, particularly those who work directly with the youth, such as county governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and youth groups.
Magdalene Khaemba’s Role in the Submission
Magdalene Khaemba, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, was tasked with presenting the views of Nakuru County at the forum. As the CEO of TSY, an organization that has been at the forefront of addressing youth-related challenges, Madam Magdalene brought valuable insights into the realities faced by young people in the region.
Her memorandum outlined several key recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Youth Bill, with particular focus on the following areas:
- Youth Employment and Skills Development: Khaemba emphasized the need for stronger provisions to address youth unemployment, a critical issue in Nakuru County and many other parts of the country. She proposed that the bill should prioritize vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and internships to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the job market.
- Access to Education and Scholarships: The memorandum called for enhanced access to affordable and quality education for youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Khaemba suggested that the government should increase the availability of scholarships and funding for vocational training institutions to ensure that young people have the opportunity to improve their skills and qualifications.
- Inclusion of Youth in Governance and Decision-Making: Another significant point raised by Khaemba was the importance of involving young people in governance. She advocated for the inclusion of youth representatives in local government structures, ensuring that young voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
- Health and Well-being of Young People: Recognizing the importance of a healthy youth population, Khaemba’s memorandum also addressed issues such as mental health, reproductive health services, and drug abuse prevention programs. She stressed the need for youth-friendly health services that cater to the specific needs of young people.
- Creation of Youth-Friendly Spaces: The memorandum also proposed the establishment of youth empowerment centers and community hubs where young people could access resources, mentorship, and social support. These spaces would provide a platform for young people to engage in community development activities, leadership training, and peer-to-peer support.
A Collaborative Effort for Youth Development
Magdalene Khaemba’s submission was part of a broader effort by the Nakuru County Government to contribute to national discussions on youth development. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of collaboration between national and county governments, as well as with NGOs, private sector players, and other stakeholders, to create an ecosystem that supports youth at all levels.
“Today’s public participation forum is a testament to the commitment of both the Nakuru County Government and the national government to prioritize the needs of young people,” Khaemba remarked. “It is through collective effort and dialogue that we can ensure that the Youth Bill addresses the real challenges young people face today and provides tangible solutions for their future.”
The Public Participation Process in Eldoret
The public participation event in Eldoret was one of several forums organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts across the country. Eldoret, being a key regional hub in the Rift Valley, attracted a diverse group of participants, including youth leaders, local government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders from neighboring counties.
During the event, Khaemba’s presentation was met with enthusiasm and support from the attendees, many of whom echoed similar concerns regarding the challenges facing young people in the region. The feedback from this forum, along with the memoranda submitted by other participants, will be compiled and reviewed by policymakers to refine the Youth Bill before it is debated in Parliament.
The Road Ahead
The submission of the memorandum by Magdalene Khaemba is an important step in the ongoing process of shaping a youth-friendly legislative framework. As the bill progresses through Parliament, it is expected to undergo further revisions based on the feedback gathered from public forums like the one in Eldoret.
For Khaemba and the Nakuru County Government, this event was a critical opportunity to ensure that the voices of young people in Nakuru and across the Rift Valley are heard in the legislative process. By engaging directly with policymakers, Khaemba and her team are helping to shape a future where young people have greater opportunities for education, employment, and participation in governance.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the challenges of youth unemployment and social exclusion, the successful passage of a robust and inclusive Youth Bill will be a key milestone in the nation’s efforts to empower its young population and create a more equitable society for all.
Conclusion
Magdalene Khaemba’s participation in the public participation forum in Eldoret represents a significant contribution to the ongoing discussions on youth empowerment in Kenya. By submitting the memorandum on behalf of Nakuru County, she has helped ensure that the concerns and aspirations of young people in her region are considered in the final version of the Youth Bill. This collaborative approach to youth policy development is essential for building a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.