Kitui rallies youth to partner with the county for growth

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe says involving the youth is key to making the county succeed.

Speaking at Ithookwe showgrounds in Kitui town on Friday, he said they are not only leaders of tomorrow but active and influential change makers.

“Your ideas matter, your potential is boundless and your well-being is of interest to us,” Malombe told guests at the Kitui County Youth Engagement Forum 2024.

“You are capable of innovations that can transform your life and our county’s economy, creativity that can redefine our culture and leadership that can inspire our communities.”

Malombe was making the keynote address at the forum, touted as the first of its kind in Kenya.

It was themed: ‘Appreciating our individual and shared responsibilities in shaping the future’.

The governor said the growing youth population is an important society segment that must be considered in the planning and allocation of resources for development.

He described the forum as a critical platform denoting his government’s commitment to listening to, valuing and engaging with the youth.

“This space is designed to foster genuine engagement where your voices are heard, solutions are co-created and action is jointly formulated and taken,” the county chief said.

The governor urged the youth to be bold enough to speak up, challenge norms and share their vision.

“Your industry, when complemented by others, becomes a formidable force for positive change,” Malombe said.

Raising concern over the myriad of challenges facing the youth, the governor urged them not to be bogged down by such hurdles in their bid to triumph in life.

“Challenges may come but it is our determination to to pull through and achieve that will define our success,” he said.