Uasin Gishu Youth Policy Forum Calls for Awareness and Inclusivity
Youth representatives raised specific concerns. Glory Kathure, a youth leader and global youth ambassador, welcomed the gazettement of the policy
The concerns were raised during a consultative forum in Eldoret, organized by Rural Women Peace Link in partnership with development partners including GIZ, SOS Children’s Villages, and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). Photo /Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Youth leaders, civil society actors, and county officials in Uasin Gishu have called for greater awareness and inclusivity in the implementation of the Uasin Gishu County Youth Policy 2024, which was recently gazetted by the county government.
The concerns were raised during a consultative forum in Eldoret, organized by Rural Women Peace Link in partnership with development partners including GIZ, SOS Children’s Villages, and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The meeting brought together youth leaders, youth-serving organizations, non-state actors, and county officials to assess progress made and address gaps in rolling out the policy.
Clinton Gwako, Programmes and Communication Officer at Rural Women Peace Link, said the forum reflects the spirit of the youth tagline “Vijana ni Nguzo, Tuwakuze”.
“This forum has given young people, government, and civil society a chance to reflect on the strides made in developing the Youth Policy and to deliberate on how to strengthen its implementation,” he said.
Civil society leaders echoed similar sentiments. Benedine Kipruto, chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, emphasized the urgent need for awareness creation.
“A majority of young people don’t even know that a youth policy exists. This consultative process is timely, but all of us—government and civil society—must put effort into creating awareness and supporting its implementation,” Kipruto noted.
Youth representatives raised specific concerns. Glory Kathure, a youth leader and global youth ambassador, welcomed the gazettement of the policy but pointed to delays and gaps in sensitization.
“The county has finally gazetted the Youth Policy, but young people must read and understand it. It’s already available on the county government’s website,” she said.
Florence Tosh, an intersex rights champion, called for more inclusivity.
“The policy has not considered intersex persons, yet we face discrimination, gender-based violence, and unnecessary medical procedures. Our rights and health concerns must be included in the youth agenda,” she urged.
Speaking at the forum, CEC for Education and Acting CEC for Youth Affairs, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, described the consultative meeting as crucial in amplifying youth voices. She said the government was committed to reviewing and strengthening the policy to ensure no group is left out.
“We must continue to refine the Youth Policy to reflect the realities of all young people, including marginalized groups. Youths must also take interest in county programs—this year, Sh1 billion has been set aside for youth initiatives,” Eng. Ng’endo said.
She further encouraged young people to actively seek leadership positions where they can directly influence policies that affect them, adding that youth are the most vibrant segment of society with unique needs that require tailored interventions.
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