Vijana Twaweza Transform Society
Conference Communique
Preamble
More than 130 youths drawn from Nairobi and Kiambu counties have met on 28th and 29th October 2021 here at Christian Students’ Leadership Center (Ufungamano House) for the Nairobi Region Vijana Twaweza! Youth Conference. The deliberations, aimed at shaping the engagement and future of the youth in the region and the nation, were guided by the theme “Wholesome Youth for a Wholesome Society (1 Timothy 4: 12)”.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
The Youth Leaders present during this Conference recognized the reality that the youth in Kenya are heavily suppressed, and the great pressure exerted on them by social-economic factors is driving many into disillusionment, despair and depression. The second reality they recognized is that it is only the youth who can change their situation. Towards this, we wish to share the following message.
1. Awaken the Sleeping Giant
The Youth Leaders present during this Vijana Twaweza! Youth Conference appreciated that the youth are just over 70 per cent of the national population. For this reason, the greatest focus and investment of the nation should be geared towards enhancement of the capacity and productivity of the youth. We are therefore disappointed that the society seems determined to only use and dump the youth. To reverse this, we as the youth must arise and play our rightful role by providing leadership and solutions to the problems facing the society. The youth are a giant that can effectively and easily trample the social-political and economic challenges of our generation, but this giant must be awakened.
2. Register as Voters
The first step towards awakening the giant that is the youth populace is effectively participating in the governance and electoral processes of our nation. The youth need to assume decision making positions, which often depend on political, social and financial power. For this reason, we have committed to mobilize our fellow youth to register as voters, and to fully participate in the 2022 General Elections as voters and as candidates. We will especially support youthful candidates who have integrity, good morals and are committed to the betterment of the whole society. Youthful leaders who are wholesome will promote development of a wholesome society. It is our firm belief that the tomorrow we were promised in the saying that “Youth are the Leaders of Tomorrow” has arrived.
3. County Youth Manifestos
The Youth Leaders present during this Vijana Twaweza! Youth Conference noted that the next General Elections are only nine months away. This offers the youth in our nation a golden chance to shape the future by determining, in definitive manner, the political leadership to shepherd this nation for the next five years.
To ensure that we get the best leaders possible, we have committed ourselves to vet all aspirants based on the criteria that we ourselves set. We are encoding this criteria in the form of manifestos. For this reason, we are partnering with community based organisations to mobilize the youth in our communities and churches to identify their aspirations, issues, as well as the expected focus and performance of the leaders elected next year.
In summary, we have the following expectations:
a) Nairobi County
The Youth in Nairobi County will seek for and support candidates who will be committed to:
- Improved social services including proper waste management, adequate water supply, improved road infrastructure in all estates, and enough supply of medicine at the health facilities
- Improved security in all parts of the county
- Youth empowerment in all areas, especially provision of technical skills and better working conditions
- Serious fight against corruption
- Reduction of borrowing by government and downscaling of taxation
b) Kiambu County
The Youth in Kiambu County are committed to supporting and voting for candidates committed to:
- Reduction of taxes especially those levied on micro enterprises and locally developed products
- Serious focus on youth in County Plans coupled with adequate budgetary allocations
- Equitable inclusion of youth in county government employment, as well as on the executive arm of the county government
- Youth related funds to be availed to all youths equally
- Secure and equitably issue the portion of county tenders designated for youth and persons with disabilities
- Empowerment of the youth to be involved in job creation and entrepreneurship
4. Message to Fellow Youth
The Youth Leaders present during this Vijana Twaweza! Youth Conference wish to remind and motivate our fellow youth in the nation with the inspiration that God gave Gideon, the youth who led the war against the enemies of Israel, which is recorded in Judges 6: 14
Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?
Fellow youth, do not despise yourself, usidepress. Step out and play your part in the governance and decision making processes of our nation, and we will transform our society. Let us overcome the negative messages being aired about the elections being rigged by the deep state, and instead go out and vie for each and every position. Vijana Twaweza rise up and make the nation what we wish it to be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we the youth leaders reiterate that the youth are the greatest component of our nation. Let us arise and shape this nation to build and empower the youth, for that is the true nation building. May the words of our National Anthem stir us to action:
Let one and all arise, with hearts both strong and true; Service be our earnest endeavour; And the homeland of Kenya, Heritage of Splendour, Firm may we stand to defend
Signed on this 29th day of October 2021 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi
Rev George Mutembei
Youth Representative, NCCK Nairobi Region
Watson Odanga
Regional Manager, NCCK Nairobi Region
