By:Betty Luke
International Youth Day Celebrations in Isiolo. PHOTO/Courtesy
Isiolo youths are pushing for the adoption and implementation of a county youth policy that seeks to address unemployment, health challenges, drug abuse, financial exclusion and limited participation in leadership as the world marks International Youth Day.
The proposed policy highlights unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges facing young people in the county with 70 per cent of youths being unemployed, according to 2018 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data.
Despite the county being strategically positioned along the proposed LAPSSET corridor and the presence of Kenya’s fifth international airport, the policy notes that many young people to access sustainable sources of livelihood.
The draft document attributes unemployment to limited access to formal education and inadequate mentorship for the young generation.
A section of young people engage in a peaceful match during the international youth day celebration in Isiolo. Photo/Courtesy
The health and mental wellbeing of the young people has also been significantly identified as a key challenge, with the document highlighting that 20 percent of young people depression and anxiety.
Youth leader Nasibo Wario notes that the adoption and implementation of the document would significantly address some of the social and economic factors that contribute to stress, hopelessness, and exclusion.
“A dedicated Department of Youth would also provide a clearer institutional mechanism for identifying and responding to the needs of young people, including appropriate psychosocial and wellbeing support,” shares Ms Wario.
The draft further highlights retrogressive cultural practices, including child and forced marriages, moranism and FGM, as challenges affecting young people, particularly girls.
The document called for stronger awareness, access to education, legal protection and psychosocial support to address the practices.
Another youth representative Abdulahi Bonaya Boru notes that the document, if adopted, would address limited opportunities in sports, arts, culture and talent development by allowing the county government and development partners an opportunity to put up adequate infrastructure, to identify and nurture talents.
Acting Youth CEC Luqman Ahmed (centre) and other county officials during the International Youth Day celebrations in Isiolo. PHOTO/Courtesy
“If a cultural center is set up it would offer an opportunity for the young people to venture into the creative industry. Unfortunately, the government cannot set aside resources for such while there is no policy to support the same,” he said.
The policy also calls for greater youth participation in leadership and governance, noting that although young people form a significant proportion of Isiolo’s population, many remain excluded from decision-making processes.
County Activista Coordinator Moses Thuranira urged young people to actively participate in shaping the document to ensure it reflects their priorities and experiences.
“Youths should give their input into the youth policy to ensure their views are captured,” Thuranira said, calling for broader participation in the policy process.
Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations in Isiolo, Acting Youth CEC Luqman Ahmed said the county government would support the policy and provide technical assistance to move it from a draft to an adopted framework.
“We’ll really support it to ensure it’s not stagnated. I’ll ensure we push to see its actualisation before the General Election,” Ahmed said.
