Students at Kitelakapel Technical Training Institute in West Pokot County during World Youth Skills Day. [Irissheel Shanzu, Standard]
Youth in West Pokot County have called for involvement in economic initiatives, governance, and decision-making.
The young people emphasised the need to be given opportunities to shape the county’s future rather than merely being seen as recipients of development projects.
They voiced these demands during International Youth Week celebrations at Kachapin’s Garden, where stakeholders highlighted the importance of investing more in education, employment, digital opportunities, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health services.
Under the theme “Different Contexts, Same Aspirations,” the celebrations brought together young people and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing youth and available opportunities.
The youth also pledged not to let politicians use them as pawns as the country approaches the 2027 General Election, stating they want leaders to focus on addressing unemployment, education, and economic empowerment instead of mobilising them for political violence.
Youth Affairs CEC Lucky Litole noted that young people in West Pokot have shown resilience despite the tough economic conditions.