Introducing the Youth Senate president

Gideon Keter.

Gideon Keter, 24, is president of the Youth Senate. He spoke to JAMES WANZALA on what his outfit does.

Generation Next: Describe your background?

Gideon Keter: l am born-again Christian born in Kitale (Kimilili Constituency) and raised in Nakuru County (Kuresoi South Constituency). I went to Konoin Primary School and DEB Primary School before joining Tengecha and St Joseph high schools. I studied Accounts and Information Technology at Strathmore University.

GN: What is the Youth Senate?

GK: The Youth Senate is a youth-led organisation focused on raising an empowered generation. We advocate for the youth to become change agents by helping them acquire skills to impact their own lives and those of other people, organisations and communities.

GN: So, what does the role of president entail?

GK: I, among other functions, provide general leadership to the executive and the junior county senators, chair meetings, manage the youth senate office and programme, and propose goals regarding members’ involvement, finances and communication. I ensure that the Youth Senate and its structures are focused on activities and resources relating to the organisation’s objectives and mandates.

GN: How did you land the role?

GK: I have served in leadership roles in campus, church, and political parties. I was also privileged to be the secretary general of the East African Regional Model United Nations. When the Youth Senate called for elections at beginning of the year, I vied and was honoured to be voted in by the delegates present.

GN: When was the Youth Senate formed and what are your achievements?

GK: The 2010 Constitution ushered in a new way of governing and required a new approach to dealing with youth affairs. The Youth Senate, a non-governmental organisation, was formed to help address this need. Some of our achievements include the recent launch of the Youth Advisory Board by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, which was our primary project when we started. We are in talks with more than ten governors to implement the same model in their respective counties. We have also drafted the youth position on climate and energy change and presented the document to Environment,Water and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu. This document will help county cabinet secretaries when planning environment projects in their respective regions.

GN: What is the structural format of the Youth Senate?

GK: We have representatives in each county, headed by a junior senator. We also have a youth speaker who chairs junior senators’ meetings. There are thematic areas championed by our youth senate ambassadors and headed by a director general, finance director, communication director and secretary general. In addition, we have the office of the president and chief executive, assisted by a deputy and the head of public relations.

GN: What is your vision for the Youth Senate?

GK: In five years, I see individuals who are empowered and are change agents. I see the Youth Senate empowerment model raising a generation with a difference; a generation capable of engaging the Government and other parties to realise the Kenyan dream. I hope my tenure inspires a generation that will bring youth-triggered development to our country.

GN: Has the Government done enough to address challenges facing young people?

GK: The Government has invested a lot in youth ideas, but fumbled in implementation. Young people are not involved in decision-making at the level that matters to their welfare. Individuals who sit in youth offices have no leadership values, so democracy and transparency do not thrive, resulting in little change. The Government should let the youth offices be headed by ‘real’ youth, who understand ‘real’ problems. The Government should also invest in training those individuals, to impart them with the skills and values necessary to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

GN: What drives you?

GK: My drive comes from the fact that what I do inspires others to learn and dream more, helping them achieve more than I expected. In essence, I am challenged every day to create a legacy.

GN: What do you do in your free time?

GK: I enjoy a game of football and reading books, especially the Bible. Picnics are also a good pastime, as is talking to people.

GN: A word to the Kenyan youth?

GK: I dare the Kenyan youth to build a better, working Kenya, beginning with their own communities. Let them start resolving issues that affect them. It is only through their efforts that our country will work better.