Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has finally unveiled his agenda for the youth, if elected president in the next general elections.
Odinga said that creation of jobs is the biggest challenge that young people face in Kenya and that all policies created must reflect this reality.
The ODM party leader said that some of the things he will do once elected to address this is creation of a tax holiday for youth enterprises and extend tax incentives to organizations that will offer employment to young people.
He went on to say that he will also create a Youth Commission with equal representation of both genders and task it with advancing youth participation in all spheres of public and private life.
“Mainstreaming the youth perspective in planning and decision making; advising the national and county governments on design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programs to secure sustainable livelihoods for the youth,” said Odinga.
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He added that his government will maintain a data bank on skilled youth, source support, including extending specific incentives to SMEs ran by craftsmen and artisans and ensure that their passions become professions, industries and jobs.
Mr Odinga promises to create a National Boda Boda Fund as well as Local Boda Boda Assembly Units for motorbikes to make them more affordable.
“With the help of the National government and private sector, roll out a 10,000 per year Kenya National Youth internship Program (KNIP)”
[ODM leader Raila Odinga]
The former Premier said he will also revamp industries across the 47 counties for made in Kenya products insisting that this will create more employment.
Odinga said he will also create a global and local Youth Leaders program supporting 1,000 individuals yearly with paid United Nation (UN) internships, among other international organizations.
He noted that the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Act also needs to be looked at for changes; including removing it from the National Treasury to the ministry responsible for youth affairs.
Odinga promised to review the HELB loans by increasing the limit to reflect the current cost of living and doing away with interests accrued, as well as CRB listing for new graduates.
“In addition, increase and expand bursaries in tertiary institutions to reflect the reality of the cost of living,” he said.
“Re-engineer the National Youth Service, devolve its campuses to all the 47 counties in collaboration with county governments and put in charge of mandatory induction and community services across the country.”
