CS Kariuki urges youth to register as voters, take part in 2017 poll

CS Kariuki urges youth to register as voters, take part in 2017 poll

Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has warned youth against voter apathy, stating that their disinterest in registering as voters could hamper the selection of suitable leaders.

The CS, who was speaking at Othaya Stadium during the launch of the second phase of the National Youth Service cohort program, instead called on the youth to acquire the crucial voter document and participate in next year’s General Election.

Kariuki also gave out cheques worth Ksh19 million to youth and women in the constituency further cautioning the youth against absenteeism and reporting to duty drunk.

The CS was keen to note that the new phase of the program is expected to provide close to 1000 youth from the constituency with employment that will see the government spend Ksh10 million every month.

The CS was accompanied by Othaya MP Mary Wambui called on the youth to take advantage of the programme to economically empower themselves.

Under the program, the cohorts will plant trees on Karima Hills, clean the town, develop infrastructure around the constituency and renovate Othaya Stadium.

According to NYS management, a portion of the cohort’s wages will be saved in a Sacco to ensure economic sustainability for the youths.

Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta hailed the NYS Cohort Programme, noting that it registered some clear and tangible successes, notwithstanding the management challenges.

The president said the programme channeled Ksh3.4 billion to the youths through direct wages and an additional Ksh2 billion in savings.

“I would like to urge Kenyans to draw a clear distinction between the positive impact of the NYS Programme and the deplorable mismanagement of the past orchestrated by individuals who were determined to railroad its success,” said the president in his Jamhuri Day speech.

He noted that the government would continue supporting youth SACCOs established under the NYS programme and reiterated his government’s commitment in empowering the youth, women and people living with disabilities.

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NYS employment Othaya MP Mary Wambui cohort program Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki

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