Have Meaningful Youth Inclusion – Rev Carol
The youth are the ones best placed to shape the future, Rev Carol Kiarie has inspired participants of the 6th Pwani Innovation Week current happening at Mombasa.
“It is not enough for the youth to be in the decision making room. They need to be part of the agenda setting, shaping policies, and influencing outcomes,” Rev Carol pointed out.
The Pwani Innovation Week is an annual forum organized by Swahilipot Foundation, with whom NCCK is partnering in the implementation of the Vijana to Thrive project.
Pwani Innovation Week provides space for stakeholders, especially the youth, to reflect on youth agency, innovation, and sustainability of economies.
Rev Carol observed that youth are the energy behind the economy, are not always the voice on the decision making tables. She urged county governments to provide opportunities for youth to sit on budgeting committees and environmental and social development boards not as decorations but as decision makers.
“True inclusion is not youth vs elders, rather is youth alongside elders. Experience and innovation should walk hand in hand,” she expounded.
Just over a thousand youth and stakeholders are participating in the 6th Pwani Innovation Week. Delegates include HE Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France, HE Peter Maddens, Ambassador of Belgium, and Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, the Principal Secretary for Research and Innovation.
