By B, KNA
Kisumu County has officially launched the 2025 International Youth Week, with county officials and youth leaders challenging young people to take a greater responsibility in shaping the county’s destiny and a sustainable future.
Speaking at the launch held at Miya Ywech Complex in Mamboleo, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Beatrice Odongo, lauded youth across the county for their leadership in tackling climate change, championing clean energy, and driving civic engagement.
She challenged them to go further:
“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. Let us learn, innovate, collaborate and never be afraid to lead,” declared Odongo,
She added that the county government was committed to supporting youth empowerment initiatives through programmes like NYOTA, Uwezo Fund, NGAFF, Kisumu Enterprise Fund, and vocational training centres.
Miya Ywech representative Sarah Apollo said the event was not just ceremonial but a platform to spotlight grassroots impact.
“This is about amplifying youth involvement in everything happening around them,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Wycliffe Owino of Blue Cross Kenya, who urged the youth to avoid substance abuse and instead channel their energy into meaningful ventures.
“Avoid drugs and alcohol. Your time and creativity should be invested in solutions that uplift both you and your community,” he said.
Kisumu County Youth Officer, George Orude, called for a broader outreach strategy across villages to ensure inclusive participation.
“We are taking this message countywide. Every youth in every village should be part of building the Kisumu we want,” he noted.
School-going youth brought energy to the event with performances in music and dance, while using the platform to connect, network, and exchange ideas.
Held under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the celebration concluded with a unified message: Kisumu’s youth are not waiting for permission to lead—they are already doing it.