The Kericho County Assembly, Monday, passed into law, the Kericho County Youth Development Bill, 2024, sponsored by Nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Isaack Matkeir, during the first-ever Bunge Mashinani sitting.
The Bill which has been termed, progressive, seeks to provide a framework for increased youth employment in the National and County governments, state organs, and other public entities and to monitor and enforce 30 percent government procurement opportunities for youth.
It also seeks to develop mechanisms addressing the unique social and economic needs of young people in the County.
The sitting was held at Ainamoi Technical Training Institute in Ainamoi Constituency, Kericho County.
The County Assembly is now required to forward the Bill to the Governor for assent within 14 days, completing a crucial step towards implementing youth-focused programmes across Kericho County.
In addition to the Youth Development Bill, the residents and Members of the County Assembly, also deliberated on the Report by the Committee on Appointments, regarding the approval hearing of the Selection Panel for the County Public Service Board.
This provided an opportunity for citizens to contribute to discussions on the composition and vetting of key County leadership bodies.
The historic Bunge Mashinani sitting, presided over by Speaker, Dr. Patrick Mutai, alongside Members of the County Assembly, marked the first time in Kenya’s devolved history, that a County Assembly conducted official plenary proceedings outside its chambers, with full procedural compliance.
Dr. Mutai explained that taking Assembly sittings to the wards, provides residents with a direct platform, to scrutinize development projects, question leaders, and follow-up on public resource utilization.
Doing so, he added, enhanced accountability and transparency, while also promoting public awareness and engagement in the legislative process and bringing the work of the County Assembly, closer to the people of Kericho County.
“The people of Kericho deserve to have their voices heard in matters that affect their lives, and that is exactly why we are here, because the Assembly remains fully committed to openness and genuine citizen-driven governance,” Dr. Mutai said.
The Bunge Mashinani Initiative is set to continue, Tuesday (today), at Kaplelartet Primary School in Kaplelartet Ward, Sigowet/Soin Constituency.
Today, the County Assembly will deliberate on the Report by the Committee on Appointments regarding the approval hearing of the selection panel for the County Public Service Board.
The Assembly will also consider the Kericho County Community Health Services Bill, 2024.
According to Article 174 of the Constitution of Kenya, devolution aims to enhance public participation, promote democratic and accountable exercise of power, and ensure that governance and resources are brought closer to the people, while Article 196(1)(b) requires County Assemblies, to facilitate citizen involvement in legislative and other Assembly activities.
by Kibe Mburu
