Youthful MCAs awarded for their efforts to spur development

Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies (KYMCA) have held their inaugural Vanguard Awards, which seek to recognise and nurture youthful leaders across all 47 counties.

The award ceremony saw young lawmakers recognised for their efforts in boosting innovation and technology, youth and women empowerment, good governance and sustainable development goals among others.

The awards seek to serve as a motivating factor for young MCAs in their endeavour to be servant leaders.

Speaking during the event held at a Nairobi hotel, Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka thanked KYMCA for the awards saying it will motivate the young leaders in their endeavours to serve the people.

“A nation that loses its youth loses its children and the future. The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but of today’s. I want to assure and reaffirm that county governments will continue to dispense service to its people at the grassroots level so that we can push the country forward. Let’s stay and remain united as counties and forge a united front to many challenges that face us,” said Lusaka.

One category of the awards recognised initiatives in the health sector since it is a devolved function.

With the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA) facing some challenges, Ruai Family Hospital (RFH) sponsored a category to recognise the contribution of young MCAs to the health sector.

RFH’s group managing director Maxwell Okoth, while congratulating Kakamega nominated MCA Victoria Zillah for winning the award challenged the county assemblies to work towards easing the burden of citizens.

“Africa has the best potential in any of the continents in the world. My appeal to you as county assemblies is to go ahead and shape the future generation of leaders who will ultimately solve the peoples’ problems,” Okoth stated.

Also present at the event were government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, and Investment Promotion PS Abubarkar Hassan Abubarkar, who read Sports CS’s speech.

KYMCA is led by chief executive officer and co-founder Chis Mark, who is from Laikipia County.