Youth leaders criticise recent appointments to National Youth council

NAKURU, KENYA: A section of youth leaders have criticised the recent appointment of members of the National Youth Council by the Public Service, youth and Gender affairs CS Sicily Kariuki.
Led by Gideon Keter, the URP National Youth Congress President, the youth leaders noted the recent appointment of individuals who will serve at the National Youth Council flouted the law and should be revoked.
Keter said the CS erred by appointing the members of the council, without giving young people an opportunity to elect their representatives as stipulated in the law.
"The National Youth Council Act is very clear that members of the council must be elected by the youth from the grassroots to the national level before their formal appointment. There was no election," he said.
Ms. Kariuki in a Gazette Notice dated May 27, 2016 appointed Fatuma Harrow Abubakar, Arnold Maliba, Benson Kitoo Mutemi, to the National Youth Council.
Other members were Mary Achieng, Billy Graham Okumu Mijungu, Rahow Abdi Jimale, Dishon Memo, Maganda Jackline for period of three years of until they attain the age of 35 years.
Last week the CS further appointed nine people to serve as members of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board for a period of three years.
Ms. Kariuki appointed Valle Yiaile, Fatuma Abubakar, Arnold Maliba and Benson Mutemi to the council. Others members appointed include Mary Achieng, Billy Mijungu , Raho Jimale and Maganda Jackline.
Nyeri Nominated MCA Wangui Njee also said the appointments by the CS not only lacked regional balance but also has individuals who are above 35 years old a clear violation of the National Youth Council Act.
The National Youth Council was established in 2009 to regulate, coordinate, and promote policies affecting the youth in government institutions.