Siaya Governor: Youth Agenda, our priority
H.E. Cornel Rasanga Amoth today raised his concern about the idleness among the youth out of school who resort to social vices amongst them drug abuse, violence, robberies and rape cases.
Rasanga who was speaking earlier today at Sawagongo High School during the Kenya Anglican Youth Organisation conference said indulgence leads to illicit and unprotected sexual acts which result to contraction of HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies and early marriages as documented in recent newspaper reports.
To address these vices which have seen very little or completely no engagement of young people on economic, political and social affairs of the county and the country at large, the county chief noted that the County Government of Siaya has undertaken various youth training and development programs such as micro loaning schemes for boda boda where through collaboration with various banks, boda boda operators are given safety gears and loans to purchase new boda boda. He added that the county has also supported youths to acess up-to 30% of County Government procurement opportunities.
Sexual reproductive health issues have also been part of the county government programs in the health department. Partnerships with National Government’s Youth Empowerment Fund has also ensured more youths are positively engaged.
Moving forward, H.E. Rasanga noted that development of mentorship programmes for youth groups and partnerships will be priority areas for youth engagement with other stakeholders .
The County Government of Siaya welcomes public and private partners from both government and civil society organisations to increase the engagement of young people in social, economic and political affairs of the county and the country. The governor concluded with the importance of youths understanding that nothing should be going on about them, without their involvement.
Governor Rasanga was accompanied by North Gem MCA Nick Ochola who encouraged the youth to form groups that can enable them push for county tenders. He further asked youth to indulge themselves responsibly during this festive season.
Siaya County CECM For Water Eng. Adrian Ouma on his part asked the youth to take charge of their destiny by avoiding situation that might not favor their success in life.
Other leaders present were Mr. Joseph Omondi Ag. CO for youth and social services, Hon. Walter Okelo, Siaya County Government Chief of Staff among others.
COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE
SIAYA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
