“The Jubilee coalition had a manifesto that was youth friendly. This was able to capture the aspirations of young people; let the youth agenda top their list,” Kariuki urged/FILE
Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Susan Kariuki said on Monday that Kenyatta should follow through his pledge of including the youth in decision making bodies of his government.
“The Jubilee coalition had a manifesto that was youth friendly. This was able to capture the aspirations of young people; let the youth agenda top their list,” Kariuki urged.
The Jubilee Alliance had pledged a number of things to the youth including collateral-free and interest-free business loans, and opportunities for one million jobs annually among others.
“They (government) should create employment, appoint young people in various positions and involve them in decision making. This will help them run the government smoothly,” Kariuki urged.
She further said “if youth are not involved in decision making, they will not be able to bring their issues on table,” she argued.
Kariuki also urged Kenyatta to ensure his government revises the education curriculum to ensure it meets the day to day challenges that the youth are facing.
“One of the things the youth are hoping is to reform the education system. Young people are saying they are not happy with some courses they are doing like Anthropology, how many jobs in our country can be created in regards to this course? They want relevant and market oriented education that can address the current challenges,” she pointed out.
Capital FM News also sampled the views of people on the streets of Nairobi with most of them urging the president-elect to meet the high expectations among the young people and the country at large.
“I believe in these two leaders; if they keep to their promises, I can see Kenya progressing forward,” Kenneth Kiongora who is a Nairobi resident said.
Kiongora further urged them to, “lend the Sh6 billion that could have been used to carry out a run-off to young people. It is a lot of money that can make a difference.”
Gad Otieno expressed his confidence in the Jubilee government but urged the President and his deputy to ensure,” there was enough security so that Kenyans can continue with their activities without fear.”
“Young leaders can listen to you because they understand what we (young people) are going through unlike the old guards who look down upon you with a thought that you should only listen to them. I believe they will deliver,” Isaac Arunga who revealed he did not vote for Jubilee challenged the new leadership to ensure the devolved government was effective.
“We believe in the devolved system of government, things will change for the better. The new government should support the County leaders so that they can execute their duties to their respective areas.”
Earlier on, TNA’s Director of Communications, Machel Waikenda had said the government will undertake a national audit of skills and competencies and align training opportunities and resources to respond to their demands.
“Jubilee Coalition rolled out an extensive and impressive campaign whose manifesto centred on uniting and reconciling the country as well as steering growth and development. Set to largely benefit is the Kenyan youth who constitute about 55 percent of the Kenyan population,” he said.
Currently, 70 percent of the unemployed people in Kenya are the youth and according to Waikenda, the high rate remains one of the greatest challenges facing the country.
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