Elder JOHN, A Youth Advocating For Youths; Kenyan Youths, Stand Up Now!

A Call to The Youths

The youths have an expressive outlook on social-economic and political issues, but politicians have not been deliberate in tackling issues of concern to the youth.

"Our generation is not represented in politics and we do not feel engaged and involved. It is time to vote for the youth to represent and advocate for youth issues. I call on the youth to stand up - to take a stand. As youths we need to raise our voices right across the political environment, loud enough that we are ready to lead and serve in excellence", Said Mr. John Njoroge (below), the National Youth Patron of Maendeleo Ya Vijana  - Kenya. The vibrant 33 Year old father of two is already a patron of various church groups and a board member at local schools. He is also an  Elder of the PCEA Church.

Strong And Progressive Leadership

Speaking to Kiambu 101 in an exclusive interview, Mr. John Njoroge, also known as Elder John, who believes in the youth of our country and their role in forming a formidable team in our country's political and democratic landscape, noted that the young people are as passionate, visionary with different perspectives and a host of innovative ideas. "I understand the value and importance of politics in our society, and thus the reason why we must have a strong and progressive principled leadership", he said.

The Maendeleo Ya Vijana Patron noted that when we have a society that is youthful, the leadership within organizations and the society needs to be young. "Kenya needs new ideas to reposition our society and elevate our country to a whole new level. If we think the youth are capable and should be involved in making decisions about who is elected, it follows that the youth should also be encouraged to run for office", he pointed out.

Vote For The Youth

Elder John passionately believes that it is indeed critical for the youth to engage in and with politics, particularly through democratic political parties to ensure holistic participation in socio-economic development as well as keeping policies fair and sustainable for future generations.

The youth patron adds, "The youth must also register as voters. And the youth, 35 years and below, should seek for elective positions in next year's elections. Even if the youth do not win in elections, our participation in elective politics will continue to grow and enhance the democratic process. It is only a fellow youth who is in touch with issues that concern the youth. At Maendeleo Ya Vijana - Kenya we are nurturing youth leadership through a leadership program, #Below35Kenya. We believe that it is important to inspire and mentor the younger generation on leadership."


                                       

Good For Devolution
He added that in giving the youth a chance to play roles in decision-making will increasingly improve, open and move Kenyan politics forward.

"With youths joining the political arena, it would not only be good for devolution, but necessary for the attainment of Kenya's Vision 2030 and successful continuous implementation of the our great Constitution. Our society must encourage youth interest and opinion on political matters", he concluded.

(To see how you can register click here Maendeleo Ya Vijana )

Victoria Beckham Visits Kiambu, received by H.E Philomena Kabogo

Kiambu

The United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS goodwill ambassador Mrs Victoria Beckham visited Kiambu County on Thursday to witness and experience the success of the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero campaign to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Mrs Beckham, who was accompanied by her son, were received by Governor William Kabogo’s wife, Her Excellency Philomena Kabogo in Limuru.

Manchester United Icon

Mrs Beckham, the wife of former Manchester United iconic player and one of the world's richest footballers David Beckham, arrived in Kenya for a visit that comes at a period when the infant and maternal mortality rate in the area and the entire country has drastically reduced since the program took root.

Donated Mobile Clinic and an Ambulance 

Mrs Beckham thanked H.E Philomena Kabogo for the warm reception she had received with traditional dancers performing,  before donating a mobile clinic and an ambulance.

Kiambu County Needs Governor Kabogo at the Helm For 5 More Years

Development conscious people will agree with me on this: H.E William Kabogo has worked hard enough during his first term as the first Governor of  Kiambu County. This is because of his focus on lifting the standards of the people of this great county. Governor Kabogo through the County office of Youth Affairs, created the Kiambu Biashara Fund which is one of his flagship projects under the leadership of Youth Executive Machel  Waikenda. This fund is meant to help the Youth, Women and people living with disabilities.

Recently, the Governor increased the Kiambu Biashara Fund from Kshs 300 million to Kshs 400 million.(The target of the fund kitty is Kshs 1 Billion due to rising demand.)
Over 70%people in Kiambu County rely on Agri-business and small businesses-good news to small  farmers and entrepreneurs.

Another great improvement under his tenure is on matters health. Hospitals are/have been raised to Level 4 standards, with great improvements in service delivery. Thika Level 5 Hospital offers dialysis free to NHIF patients, twice a week. The hospitals have also introduced top quality and personalized dental care. With an upcoming Kidney Research Centre in Ruiru, Kiambu is set to hopefully conduct its first ever Kidney transplant by Kiambu doctors.  All this because the health sector was devolved to the county governments.  

Shifting to his re-election bid, the Governor needs to focus more on winning the youth and women votes. This is in line with his first flagship project, the Kiambu Biashara funds. A lot of our youths need opportunities. The youths represent the largest voting block. Easy access to the loans is a great plus to his 2017 bid. The youths needs frequent seminars, done through his government on open opportunities towards achieving the best. Women play a greater role in influencing their families. And speaking of women power, we all know what they can do. A good example is on the women chamas at the grassroot levels. We have seen vast improvements in their homes, as a result of proper managements of their chamas. 
Githurai, Ruiru and Thika are the largest vote rich areas. Kiambu and its environs too have boarded his ship. He is strengthening and maintaining his strongholds through his development progress. Easy access roads, proper drainage and piped water to homes are the win points. At the grassroots level, opportunities to the youths and the women, majority who are in farming, is an added vote. Loans and access roads to their farms. Farm Produce needs to reach the markets. Through the Ward Administrators, His Excellency Kabogo can reach even the most marginalized area for their vote.  If a Gubernatorial debate is to be held today and focus streamlined to development, the Governor would win 10-0.

So, as we head for the next financial year, let the focus be on Countywide infrastructure & urban planning. My opinion stands as Governor Kabogo still the best to spearhead growth of our beloved county Kiambu. His determination to make Kiambu the best makes me rate him 10/10.

By Arap Karuri