New north eastern youth parliament to engage young people on governance

A youth parliament, the North Eastern Regional Youth Bunge, has been inaugurated at the Garissa County Assembly chambers.

The parliament is meant to inspire the youth to actively engage in governance and policy-making.

During the event, youth representatives from the north eastern region held elected a Speaker and other officials in the initiative supported by the Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies (KYMCA).

Chris Mark, the chief executive officer of KYMCA, together with nominated and elected members of the county assemblies, sensitised the youth on the objectives and mandate of the Youth Bunge that provides them with a structure and forum to develop new leadership skills, promote transparent decision-making about their priorities, and empower themselves to be a positive force for change in their communities.

Prepare for leadership

"The time is now; you are assuming elective positions to prepare you for leadership roles and to be the voice of the communities. This platform will help you interact with the youth, get their priorities and in the future, you will be elected for leadership roles by the communities based on the actions you will take to improve their lives," Mark said.

He said similar inaugural events were conducted in Coast, Nyanza and Mt Kenya regions that were meant to nurture leadership among the youth.

He added that the initiative will increase youth representation in the future national political elective positions in the counties and the National Assembly.

Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle challenged the youth to stop being mere bystanders and instead take advantage of their capabilities to be part of the decision-makers in the region.

North Eastern Region Youth Bunge Majority Yusra Mohamed Abdi taking the oath of office at the Garissa County Assembly chambers. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

The Speaker highlighted how the inaugurated Youth Bunge, north eastern region chapter, will prepare all elected and other officials for future leadership roles.

"You will be guided and equipped on your roles and responsibilities as you conduct your sessions at the county assembly. You are the voice of the voiceless and you need to actively participate in good governance and have a voice in all aspects of development," Abdi said.

The KYMCA Chairperson Hussein Dagane, who is also the Garissa Township MCA, stated that the initiative was purposely designed to address the low numbers of young being elected to leadership.

Wajir County Assembly Nominated MCA and KYMCA Wajir Coordinator Amina Mohamed encouraged leaders to create and expand opportunities for the youth.

The newly inaugurated North Eastern Bunge Youth held elections through a secret ballot. The elections involved youth representatives from Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties. Mohamed Dek Ibrahim was elected the Speaker, Aden Abdullahi Omar the Deputy Speaker, Yusra Mohamed Abdi the Leader of the Majority, while Salah Yerrow Ibrahim was elected the House Whip.

Hone leadership skills

The youth were taken through the procedures and processes of the county assemblies to hone their leadership skills and prepare them for their leadership positions.

The newly elected Speaker appreciated the KYMCA for the initiative that he said was a sure way to empower youth to realise their dreams to become leaders.

He assured all that the newly inaugurated Youth Bunge would achieve its mandate to serve the youth and the community in various aspects.

The Speaker expressed hope that many young people from the north eastern region will seek elective positions in the next General election to increase youth representation at county assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate.

Burale, a youth leader from Garissa who was elected as committee chairman, said he will use the opportunity to ensure youth voices are heard and to promote transparent decision-making that will have an impact within the communities.