Makueni youth leaders address the press at
Sportsview Hotel, demanding accountability, economic opportunities, and structured
engagement from elected officials
By Maximilla Wafula
MAKUENI, KENYA
- Uniting under the authority of the Constitution of Kenya, young leaders from
across Makueni County issued a powerful joint press statement declaring an end
to the era of tokenism and political exploitation. Representing all six
constituencies Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West, Kaiti, Makueni, Kilome, and Mbooni the
youth collective announced a firm shift toward a politics defined by measurable
results.
Addressing members of the press and elected
officials, the group acknowledged existing county initiatives like Ujuzi
Teketeke, sports programs, and internships, but insisted that goodwill
alone cannot resolve widespread youth unemployment. They challenged leaders to
demonstrate the tangible, long-term impact of these projects rather than
relying on launches, speeches, and photo opportunities.
"Development cannot be measured by
speeches," the statement asserted, emphasizing that history will judge
leadership by the number of lives permanently transformed and sustainable jobs
created.
To turn potential into prosperity, the youth presented
concrete economic demands, top among them being the immediate prioritization of
a Makueni Economic and Value Addition Zone. Despite producing vast amounts of
mangoes, milk, honey, and green grams, raw produce continues to leave the
county while processing jobs are created elsewhere. By expanding local value
addition, establishing a Youth Investment and Grant Support Desk, and
bolstering organized youth cooperatives, the group aims to keep economic value
within Makueni.
The collective also issued a direct warning to
political parties to refrain from pricing young people out of political
leadership through exorbitant fees or unfair nomination processes. Urging their
peers to reject political violence, hand-outs, and tribalism, the movement
pledged to engage constructively, participate in public forums, and hold every
leader strictly accountable to the promise of the Constitution.
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