By Contributor
GARISSA– Youth in Northern Kenya were implored to compete for elective posts to end the constant lamentation about them being relegated on the fringes of the decision making tables.
These sentiments were expressed by the Garissa County Assembly leadership during the inaugural The Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies (KYMCA) Youth Bunge, North Eastern Region chapter.
Speaker Abdi Idle challenged the youth to stop being mere bystanders and instead take advantage of their infinite capabilities to be part of the decision makers in the region.
He added that there was need to cultivate ecosystems that enabled young individuals to initiate and lead their own affairs, particularly on matters devolved governance.
County Assembly Majority Leader Mohamed Abdi Farah expressed optimism that the youth were ready to take on the mantle of leadership and bring impactful change to the counties in Northern Kenya
The Youth Bunge that was convened at the Garissa County Assembly was organized by Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies Association (KYMCA). It brought together youth from Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
The youth were taken thorough the procedures and processes of the County Assembly to hone their leadership skills and ready them up for leadership positions in the future.
KYMCA Chairperson Hussein Dagane, who is also Garissa Township MCA and Leader of Minority, said the Youth Bunge initiative was meant to reverse the drop in the numbers of youth being in elective seats nationwide.
KYMCA Chris Mark said that the Youth Bunge events that had similarly been conducted in the Coast, Nyanza and Mt. Kenya regions, were meant to nurture the aspect of leadership among the youth.
Wajir County Assembly Nominated MCA and KYMCA Wajir Cordinator Amina Mohamed said it was the responsibility of the present leaders to create and expand opportunities for the youth.
The young leaders elected Mohamed Dek Ibrahim as the Speaker of KYMCA Youth Bunge and Salah Yerrow Ibrahim as the KYMCA Whip through a secret ballot.
Others who were elected were Adey Abdullahi Omar as Deputy Speaker and Yusra Mohamed Abdi as the Leader of Majority
The Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies (KYMCA) is a caucus that brings together young legislators from the 47 county assemblies in a bid to advocate for and support pro youth legislation and policies.
Also in attendance were Jarajara MCA Hon. Hussein Aden Durow, Nominated MCAs Hon. Zamzam Mohamed (KYMCA Garissa Cordinator), Hon. Manah Sheikh, Hon. Fardowsa Jelle, Hon. Fatuma Hakar and Ifrah Issack (Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, Garissa Office).
