“In today’s era, where youth make up a significant portion of the population seeking economic opportunity, the President’s announcements on programs to create jobs and income for young people are met with both hope and skepticism. These announcements raise essential questions about the effectiveness of the policies put in place and the real commitment to the country’s youth.
When looking closely at these programs, such as the Affordable Housing Program, digital jobs, labor migration and industrialization through county aggregation and industrial parks, it is fair to ask to what extent these initiatives have a real impact on the lives of young people. The inclusive forums provided to discuss national economic challenges provide a crucial platform to critically evaluate these policies and programs.
However, the reactions of Kenyans following the president’s meeting with 96 bishops highlight a certain discontent. Some point out that these commitments have been made before without tangible results, calling into question the political will to make these promises a reality. Additionally, the choice of bishops as key interlocutors has drawn criticism, arguing that they do not truly represent the voices of young people or citizens who have expressed discontent with certain unpopular government policies.
The importance of the credibility of the Church’s voice in these economic discussions should not be underestimated. The reactions of Kenyans highlighting the silence of the Church while crucial issues were at stake highlight the importance of a true partnership between religious institutions and civil society to promote constructive dialogue and concrete actions.
Finally, for these programs and policies to reach their maximum potential, it is imperative that policy makers take into account the concerns and suggestions of youth and society at large. This will require transparency, openness to dialogue and a real commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities for all citizens.”
This text offers an in-depth reflection on the presidential announcements regarding youth programs, highlighting citizens’ reactions and emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue and tangible action to meet the economic needs of the population.