Kwale youth officers accused of laxity, poor performance in Government projects

Youth officers in Kwale County have come under intense criticism from top government officials over alleged incompetence, laxity, and minimal presence in their areas of operation.

Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Governor Fatuma Achani openly rebuked the officers, accusing them of failing to fulfil their duties and showing little understanding of the projects under their care.

The leaders spoke during the launch of the Nyota Project Grassroots Leaders Sensitisation Forum held at the Kwale Cultural Centre in Matuga.

Governor Achani expressed her frustration, saying many of the officers seemed completely unfamiliar with the Nyota Project despite it having been introduced a year ago.

“It is worrying that they appear to be hearing about this programme for the first time. Some cannot even explain its core components without referring to notes or laptops,” she said.

She questioned how officers could effectively implement a project they barely understood, warning that their lack of preparedness was undermining the initiative’s objectives.

Achani further accused them of treating their responsibilities casually, describing them as detached and disconnected from the realities faced by young people on the ground.

Her concerns were echoed by Kinango MP Gonzi Rai and Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza, who criticised the officers for their invisibility within the communities they are supposed to serve.

“I am meeting some of them here for the very first time,” Rai said, while Tandaza questioned whether the officials were even based in Kwale or posted from Nairobi.

The strong disapproval led CS Mvurya to deliver a blunt warning, saying it was embarrassing for leaders to be answering questions meant for the officers.

“I know more about this programme than those tasked with implementing it. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Mvurya urged the officers to change their attitude and demonstrate competence, insisting that the ministry would not tolerate laziness or mediocrity.

He directed them to improve coordination with county authorities and deliver visible results, cautioning that disciplinary action awaited those who continued to underperform.

Innovation Principal Secretary Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat also called on ministry staff to align themselves with ongoing government initiatives and work collaboratively to ensure successful implementation.

“To achieve meaningful impact, every officer must actively contribute and partner with local leaders to overcome obstacles,” he noted.

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• Governor Fatuma Achani
• Nyota project
• Youth officers
• youth programmes
• Kwale youth officers accused of laxity
• poor performance in Government projects

Mvurya stressed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that national youth programmes translate into real benefits for young people in Kwale.