A group of young people from North Imenti Constituency has come together under the North Imenti Youth Forum to seek practical solutions to the economic challenges affecting their lives, with participants calling for self-reliance, unity and greater involvement in shaping their future.
Speaking during a youth forum held in Meru Town, philanthropist and Homegrown Volunteer Network member Erick Mutwiri said the gathering was aimed at encouraging young people to share ideas and explore ways of improving their livelihoods without waiting for outside intervention.
“As a volunteer from the Homegrown Volunteer Network, I have been able to share thoughts on how we, as young people, can help ourselves,” said Mutwiri.
The forum brought together youth from different parts of North Imenti Constituency, many of whom expressed concerns over unemployment, economic hardship and what they described as a lack of opportunities despite the region’s vast resources.
Mutwiri called on young people to recognize the potential that exists within their communities and work collectively to identify solutions to challenges affecting them. He noted that North Imenti has both human and natural resources that can be harnessed to improve livelihoods if residents unite around common goals.
He further observed that the youth should not remain silent whenever they feel their rights are being infringed, saying they must be prepared to speak out against oppression and injustices affecting their communities.
In addition, Mutwiri reflected on the country’s history ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations, arguing that while Kenya attained political independence, many citizens are yet to achieve economic freedom. He said each generation has had its own role in shaping the country, including the struggle for independence and freedom of expression.
“We say that it is not yet independence because we wanted economic liberation. We do not understand what kind of independence we have if people are still busy oppressing us,” said Mutwiri.
Mutwiri also expressed concern over what he termed as the decline of sectors that once sustained local communities. He cited the coffee industry in North Imenti, noting that previous generations relied on coffee farming to educate their children and improve their living standards.
According to him, poor governance and leadership failures have contributed to the weakening of such sectors, leaving many young people without viable economic opportunities.
He said many youths have lost faith in leaders and influential figures whom they once believed would champion their interests.
He noted that the forum therefore intends to focus on locally driven initiatives that can empower young people economically and reduce dependency on political leaders.
Jay Mutuma, another participant, said the forum has united young people around a common purpose, providing them with an opportunity to discuss issues affecting their lives.
He emphasized the need for youth participation in decision-making processes and urged leaders to govern responsibly so that younger generations can realize their aspirations.
“ Many young people wonder whether they will grow old waiting for that better tomorrow, yet today is the tomorrow we have long been talking about,” said Mutuma.
Mutuma further encouraged young people to use their voting power wisely and remain active in matters affecting society.
He said the forum would provide a platform for members to educate one another, share experiences and support initiatives aimed at improving their welfare.
Lilian Gatwiri, who also attended the meeting, said that the gathering wasn’t politically motivated, saying it was organized solely to address challenges facing young people.
“We came together as young people to discuss challenges affecting us, especially unemployment among graduates, and to find solutions that can improve our lives,” said Gatwiri.
She noted that unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing young people in the constituency despite many attaining higher education, adding that the forum provides a platform for youth to exchange ideas, identify opportunities and work towards economic empowerment.
Edited by John Majau
