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MPs Won't Touch Sh3.46bn Youth Cash, Says US Envoy

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Published on Saturday, 20 February 2010 22:48

MPs will not touch the Sh3.46 billion the youth have been promised by the US, Ambassador Michael Ranneberger has said.

Speaking to more than 500 youths in Kisii, the envoy said the money will be channelled directly to selected youth groups. "We are working on modalities on how groups can apply for the funding and we will communicate soon," he said. The $45 million fund dubbed 'Yes, Youth Can', provided by the USAid was announced in December and will run for three years.

Ranneberger said this would help the youth participate more actively in reforms and generate employment. The meeting at the Gusii County Council hall was attended by MPs Richard Onyonka of Kitutu Chache, Simon Ogari of Bomachoge and Charles Onyancha of Bonchari.

"I'm happy the youth in. the country have the desire to participate peacefully in bringing change to the country. A wave of change is sweeping across the country and it's led by the youth," he said.

The meeting was convened by the Centre for Community Dialogue, a youth NGO. The youth complained of corruption and misuse by politicians. "We've been reduced to' goons who can only say 'Haki Yetu'," said chairman Geoffrey Mogire. Ranneberger said the youth form two thirds of the Kenyan population and can participate in governance if empowered economically and politically.

He urged Kenyans to support the harmonised draft constitution, saying it would enhance good governance, end the culture of impunity and a tribal clashes. He challenged the youth to engage political leaders in dialogue to help air their grievances.

The meeting was supposed to demonstrate how people can engage their leaders in town hall meetings like in the US. "Even Obama has been going to meetings like this to promote the health bill and he takes questions from the public," Ranneberger said.