The Kitui County Assembly on Wednesday March 25, 2026, unanimously approved the adoption of a key report paving the way for the implementation of the Kitui County Youth Empowerment Policy, 2025, setting the stage for the rollout of programmes aimed at uplifting young people across the county.

The motion was moved by Mutonguni Ward MCA Hon. Benjamin Mulandi, Chairperson of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Services, and seconded by Endau/Malalani MCA Hon. Dr. Erastus Mbuno. It was tabled in line with Constitution of Kenya, 2010, specifically Article 185, alongside Standing Order No. 190(5) of the Assembly’s procedures.

While moving the motion, Hon. Mulandi told the House that the proposed policy offers a comprehensive framework designed to tackle socio-economic challenges affecting the youth while promoting their active participation in governance and development processes.

Members of the Assembly engaged in an extensive debate, raising critical proposals to strengthen youth empowerment. Legislators underscored the need to expand opportunities for youth leadership and inclusion, stressing that young people must be integrated into decision-making spaces. At the same time, they challenged the youth to demonstrate discipline, competence, and commitment when entrusted with leadership roles.

READ ALSO: Speaker Kinengo Katisya: Why I Have Decided to Vie for the Kitui Senatorial Seat in 2027

The House also raised concern over rising cases of Gender-Based Violence among young people. Members called for intensified sensitization campaigns and behavioural change programmes to curb the vice, urging stakeholders to intensify sensitization campaigns and behavioural change programmes targeting the youth.

Additionally, the Assembly emphasized investment in critical sectors such as ICT, sports, and entrepreneurship, describing them as vital drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic empowerment for young people in the county.

In his address, Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya commended the Committee on Culture, Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Services for conducting what he described as a thorough and commendable review of the policy. The Speaker also urged the youth of Kitui County to remain proactive and vocal in advocating for issues that affect them, emphasizing that meaningful empowerment requires their active involvement.

He further called on the County Executive to ensure full and effective implementation, noting that the success of the policy will depend on deliberate action and sustained commitment by implementing agencies.

The adoption of the report now sets the stage for the operationalization of the Kitui County Youth Empowerment Policy, 2025, which is expected to guide youth development initiatives and unlock new opportunities for young people across the county.

Ends///