Youths in Kericho have been urged to remain champions of peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership as elders and clergy urged the government to make the 30-percent public procurement requirement for contracts reserved for young people, more accessible and actionable.
Speaking at the Moi Garden in Kericho, while addressing youths during a vibrant intergenerational forum which brought together clergy, and community leaders and the youth, Myot Kipsigis Council of Elders’ Chairperson, Richard Ng’eno commended the youth of Kericho for their calm and peaceful conduct during recent national protests, contrasting their restraint with the turmoil experienced in other parts of the country.
He observed that their decision to uphold peace amidst provocation was, in itself, a form of leadership and a mark of maturity.
“The government has made impressive strides in empowering young people, particularly through initiatives that promote access to jobs, entrepreneurship, and public procurement opportunities.
These programs reflect a real commitment to unlocking the potential of the youth, especially by ensuring that the 30-percent procurement allocation translates into real contracts and meaningful employment. This is how we build an inclusive and sustainable future for the next generation,” said Ngeno.
In an interview with KNA, Ng’eno noted that while the government’s efforts to empower the youth were commendable, more needed to be done to deepen their impact particularly in the implementation of the 30 percent procurement allocation for young people.
“We appreciate the efforts the government has made to uplift our young people. But we would like to kindly ask the government to consider doing more to make the 30 percent procurement quota truly accessible. This is not just a gesture—it is a constitutional commitment that should be fully honored,” said Richard Ngeno.
Ngeno further emphasized that this provision, which is firmly anchored in the constitution, should not be viewed merely as a policy target but rather as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.
According to him, facilitating easier access to these opportunities would not only reinforce the gains made so far but also strengthen public trust and inspire greater youth participation in national development.
Meanwhile, Kericho County Youth President, Elkana Mutai, added his voice to the growing call for more inclusive and structured youth empowerment initiatives.
He noted that while various government programs have begun to open doors for young people, many still face significant barriers when it comes to accessing opportunities that can truly transform their lives. Mutai emphasized that youth are not seeking handouts or token gestures, but meaningful involvement in the economic and leadership fabric of the country.
“We are not here to protest; we are here to participate. The youth of this country possess the energy, creativity, and courage to drive meaningful change. What we seek is straightforward: access to government tenders, access to jobs, and access to leadership opportunities. We are not asking for sympathy; we are calling for partnership. The government has taken important first steps, and we encourage it to strengthen and institutionalize those efforts to ensure that youth are not just included, but empowered,” said Mutai.
Mutai added that sidelining the economic aspirations of the youth risks fueling frustration, disillusionment, and a sense of exclusion among a generation brimming with potential.
He warned that the country cannot afford to leave young people at the margins of national development, stressing that their energy, creativity, and drive are critical assets that must be actively harnessed to shape Kenya’s future.
The elders, while blessing the youth, announced a follow-up engagement scheduled to take place in Kapkatet.
The forthcoming forum is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, and young entrepreneurs to chart a more inclusive and actionable path forward for youth empowerment in the region.
Their message was clear and firm: empowering youth is not an act of generosity—it is a national obligation rooted in justice and equity.
In a powerful gesture of unity and renewal, the forum culminated with the symbolic restoration of a decorative wheelbarrow which is an emblem of the ruling UDA Party—that had been defaced during past demonstrations.
Its reinstatement marked more than just the repair of a monument; it was embraced by the youth as a visible sign of reconciliation, a break from the divisions of the past, and a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive future.
By Gilbert Mutai
