Story by Albert Mwangeka
Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Wildlife Sylvia Museiya and H.E. Deputy Governor Christine Saru Kilalo have advised the youth to be the agents of change they wish to see in society.
Addressing alumni and distinguished guests during the launch of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Association and the launch of the entity’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan in Nairobi, the female leaders called upon the youth to take positive action in embracing the creative economy as a means to innovatively occupy this relatively new space, thereby meaningfully boosting their livelihoods.
“Practicing liberties like freedom of speech constructively while upholding patriotism is crucial for youth,” they urged, as it ensures meaningful discourse between the government and this youthful demographic.”
Meanwhile, the formation of the YALI Association is set to benefit the youth of Taita Taveta and the entire country, aiming to boost youth participation in civic spaces, public management, and design-driven entrepreneurship.
Taita Taveta County is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the association in areas of climate action and education, and to conduct information sessions and recruitment drives into the YALI program.
This initiative will assist the youth in joining a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to serving their communities with solution-driven innovations, ideas, and initiatives.
George Kosimbei, Chief of Party YALI, noted that the launch marks a milestone in empowering youth while also promising unwavering support.
Christine Veverka, Director of the Youth and Education Office at USAID-Kenya and East Africa, remarked on how the formation of YAL, a signature effort by the US government, aims to empower and connect young African leaders in diverse competency areas, preparing them to take the lead in civic arenas, public management, and business and enterprise.
Initiated and inspired by the 44th US President Barack Obama, the Kenya Chapter of YALI brings together over 1,800 members across Kenya, while boasting close to 6,000 alumni spread across 14 Eastern African nations.
Fred Tunya, YALI Chairman of the Kenya Chapter, summarized the importance of youth leadership in participating in grassroots-level action.
“This contributes to a greater global impact as well as the attainment of targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he concluded.
