Eldoret: Youth leaders, civil society groups, and county officials in Uasin Gishu have called for greater awareness and inclusivity in the implementation of the recently gazetted Uasin Gishu County Youth Policy 2024. The consultative forum, organized in Eldoret by Rural Women Peace Link with support from partners, including GIZ, SOS Children’s Villages, and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), brought together grassroots youth leaders and county officials to review progress and gaps.

According to Kenya News Agency, Clinton Gwako, the Programme and Communication Officer at Rural Women Peace Link, stated that the forum served as a space for dialogue and collective action under the theme ‘Vijana ni Nguzo, Tuwakuze.’ Youth leaders led by the Soy, Moiben, Ainabkoi, Turbo, Kapseret, and Kesses Youth (SMATKKEY) organization CEO, Collins Kemboi, have praised the policy as a significant milestone that will enhance youth inclusivity in governance matters.

The Chairperson for the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Organizations Network, Benedine Kipruto, highlighted that the policy aims to address crucial areas such as education, innovation, employment, mental health, and youth participation. She noted that these are strengths that youths have previously overlooked. Kipruto urged for stronger partnerships to tackle challenges like low awareness and resource gaps.

Civil society actors emphasized the need for increased sensitization, pointing out that many youths in Uasin Gishu remain unaware of the policy, which limits their sense of ownership. Florence Tosh, an intersex rights advocate, raised concerns about inclusivity, stressing that the policy must also cater to the needs of intersex youth who often face stigma and discrimination.

Glory Kathure, a global youth ambassador, encouraged young people to familiarize themselves with the policy and actively engage with it. Meanwhile, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo Njoroge, the CEC for Education and Acting Youth Affairs CEC, reassured stakeholders that a review would be conducted to ensure that no group is left behind.

At the core of the forum was a call for stronger partnerships to ensure that the Youth Policy serves as a practical tool for empowerment rather than merely a document on paper.