By Staff Writer
GARISSA, KENYA – Garissa County has launched its Youth Policy and inaugurated an Interim County Youth Council as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance and development.
Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane presided over the launch and inauguration on Friday, which the county government described as a landmark step towards mainstreaming youth issues in planning and development.
The policy focuses on increasing youth participation in governance, decision-making, community service and volunteerism.
Dagane said young people are central to the county’s development and that the policy provides a roadmap for ensuring their voices are heard and their potential harnessed.
“The youth are the cornerstone of the county’s development,” Dagane said
He said the policy and the Interim County Youth Council followed extensive consultations involving the county government, national government agencies and development partners.
Dagane added that the county government was committed to ensuring young people have a meaningful role in shaping the county’s development agenda.
The launch brought together senior county government officials, including County Executive Committee Members Hawa Abdi Sahal, who oversees Culture, Gender and Social Protection, and Ebla Minhaj of Education.
Chief Officers and other senior government officials also attended the event.
The newly inaugurated Interim County Youth Council is expected to bring together youth leaders from the county’s sub-counties, youth-serving sectors and other key stakeholders.
Its role will include strengthening coordination and supporting the implementation of youth programmes across Garissa County.
The policy is intended to provide a framework for incorporating youth priorities into county planning and development.
It also places emphasis on creating opportunities for young people to participate in public affairs and contribute to community development through service and volunteerism.
The county government said the policy was developed through multi-sectoral consultations involving government institutions and development partners.
The establishment of the council is expected to provide a platform through which youth representatives can engage with relevant sectors and contribute to the implementation of programmes affecting young people.
