- Senator-elect Hezena Lemaletian was overwhelmed with emotion in parliament remembering how the late Raila Odinga had a dream to empower the youth
- He called on the government to establish an Independent Ministry of Youth Affairs, saying that combining it with sports and culture undermines its goals.
- Lemaletian said the youth make up more than 75 percent of the population in Kenya, so they deserve a budget and special representation in government.
Senator-elect Hezena Lemaletian broke down in tears during the Senate session on Tuesday, November 4, when she was talking about the former prime minister’s dream Raila Odinga about empowering Kenyan youth.
Source: Facebook
Speaking about the situation of the youth in the country, the young MP said the government should quickly create a special youth ministry to address the challenges facing this large group of citizens.
Why Lemaletian wants the Youth Ministry to be established
“In my opinion, there is a need to create an independent ministry of youth affairs. Honorable Speaker, youth are the largest group of voters, more than 75 percent of the population in Kenya. We cannot continue to put youth issues under sports and culture. These are completely different sectors, and I do not even see a connection between the three,” he said.
Lemaletian explained that the special ministry would enable budgeting for youth programs and facilitate the coordination of government efforts in supporting creativity, employment, and youth leadership.
He praised Raila, saying that during his 2022 presidential campaign, he dreamed of establishing an independent youth ministry, which showed how much he valued the youth agenda.
“Dad had a dream in his last campaign. He wanted the Ministry of Youth to be independent because the youth had a special place in his heart. He understood that Kenya cannot move forward without talking about the youth and giving them priority,” Lemaletian said with emotion.
Is age discrimination limiting opportunities for Kenyan youth?
Using his personal experience, Lemaletian said he had worked in several ministries before joining the Senate, where he saw how tribalism and age discrimination denied young people opportunities.
“I remember when I was working in the finance department, there was an old woman who could not see the computer screen well, but she was there because her boss is from the same tribe as her. I was the only young person in that department, and I had a heavy workload as if youth was a punishment,” he remembered.
He continued to blame parliamentarians and government officials who demand bribes before approving investment projects.
“Some government officials are discouraging investors who want to open factories in various parts of the country. This corruption is killing our development,” he said,
Source: UGC
Should NYS be compulsory for Kenyan youth?
The senator also suggested that the National Youth Service (NYS) program be made mandatory for all young people, and that participants receive a stipend while still in school.
“Kenyan youths are very creative. You see what they are creating using technology and artificial intelligence (AI). We need to direct that energy well. NYS should be mandatory and rewarding so that our youth are productive instead of idle. Many successful countries have used the power of the youth to build their economy,” he added.
Lemaletian urged the government to shift the focus from consumption to production, saying that empowering the youth through formal programs will help unlock Kenya’s economic growth potential.
How Jalang’o cried for Raila Odinga
In a related event, the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, Phelix Odiwour (Jalang’o), traveled to Bondo to pay his respects to Raila two weeks after his funeral.
During the emotional visit to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Jalang’o and his delegation from Lang’ata laid flowers at Raila’s grave and joined mourners in traditional songs of remembrance.
Dressed in white and holding flywhisk as he was using Raila, he seemed overcome with emotion when he remembered his political mentor.
Later, Jalang’o visited Mama Ida Odinga and his family at their Opoda Farm home, where he offered condolences and comfort.
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