President William Ruto has moved to address the concerns of youth who are dissatisfied with the state of the country’s affairs.
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Saturday kicked off the process initiating a national dialogue to look into the concerns of the youth.
In his address on Wednesday, Ruto announced that a National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) would be constituted to engage with all stakeholders in addressing concerns raised by the youth.
It followed youth-led protests that were held across the country, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people.
Thousands of people on Thursday took to the streets in major towns to protest against the government, a day after Ruto responded to the young protesters’ demands to withdraw the Finance Bill, 2024.
On Saturday, Koskei announced that all national-level umbrella organisations representing the youth, civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, business community organisations, academia, student leadership, majority and minority leaders in Parliament, the Council of Governors, and other stakeholders are required to nominate representatives to constitute the National Steering Committee of the NMSF.
He noted that the NSC comprising 100 persons shall be the apex organ of the NMSF, charged with providing the framework, modalities, agenda and timelines for a nationwide dialogue on matters raised by the youth.
The matters include jobs, the nation’s tax policy, national debt burden, representation and accountability, anti-corruption measures and any other agenda item deemed appropriate.
“Each umbrella body is requested to nominate two representatives of either gender for consideration to the NSC,” Koskei stated.
“The nominations should be addressed to the Executive Office of the President, Harambee House.”
Upon establishment of the National Steering Committee of the NMSF, Koskei noted that the President would facilitate the first sitting for the sole purpose of the committee independently identifying the leadership of the forum.
“Subsequently, the forum will carry out its activities independently across the 47 counties through a participatory, citizen-centric and inclusive process from the ward level,” he said.
“Every Kenyan and all stakeholders will have an opportunity to present their proposals on the agenda items in person, remotely, individually or as groups,” he said.
He noted that the NSC will also provide a framework and mechanism for engaging with political leaders in a bipartisan manner.
“As time is of the essence, the nominations are expected to be received by the Executive Office of the President on or before July 7, 2024,” he said.
