Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has urged young people to reject attempts by politicians to exploit ethnic and religious differences during the electioneering period, calling on them to focus on issues affecting their lives and the county’s development.
Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations at Tononoka Social Hall, Nassir challenged young people to engage with politicians seeking elective positions but warned them against being drawn into conflicts based on ethnicity, religion or political affiliations.
“We are in the season of politics, and you need to be very careful on how you are going to handle the various politicians who come to you,” Nassir said.
The governor urged young voters to assess political leaders based on their performance, policies and ability to deliver services rather than allowing themselves to be divided along ethnic and religious lines.
“That is not the Mombasa that we want; we are not going to accept division in the county,” he said.
Nassir also announced plans to revive the ‘Mombasa Ni Yangu’ programme, which was established to create employment opportunities for young people in the county.
He said the programme had experienced challenges attributed to indiscipline among some beneficiaries, prompting the county government to develop a new recruitment model aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring the initiative achieves its objectives.
“The biggest problem of the youths in Mombasa is employment. ‘Mombasa Ni Yangu’ had an aim of creating job opportunities for the youths in Mombasa, but lack of discipline was a challenge to the programme,” he said.
The governor emphasized that discipline would be critical for the success of programmes targeting young people.
“We cannot go far if youths don’t have a high level of discipline,” he said.
On the Skills Mtaani programme, Nassir said registration of young people would begin within two weeks, with successful applicants expected to commence training at various institutions about a week after registration.
He said the county government would closely monitor the programme to ensure beneficiaries received the intended training and that public funds were properly accounted for.
Nassir further disclosed that funds had been set aside to purchase equipment for youths who successfully complete the training.
He said the equipment would enable beneficiaries to apply their practical skills, establish businesses, create employment and improve their livelihoods.
“I will monitor all those who will be successful in the programme for accountability,” Nassir said.
The governor assured young people that the county government would continue expanding practical skills programmes to equip them with marketable skills and improve their chances of securing employment.
He said investing in youth training and employment would not only improve individual livelihoods but also contribute to the wider economic growth of Mombasa.
Nassir also cautioned politicians against using county development projects as tools for dividing residents along political lines.
He said the county government was pursuing additional partnerships with development agencies and donors to expand infrastructure and improve service delivery.
“We are in talks with more donors to facilitate more developments in the county,” he said.
By Mary Mtawa and Vincent Kiptoo
