PS asks politicians to stop inciting youths against government projects

Permanent Secretary Public Service and Youth Dr Francis Owino(in checked) accompanied by Coast region Youth leaders touring the Gongoni Youth Empowerment Center in Magarini Constituency on Monday,April,15,2019.[Maureen Ongala,Standard]

A Permanent Secretary has asked politicians to stop inciting youths against National Government projects. Permanent Secretary, State Department of Public Service and Youth, Dr Francis Owino (pictured), accused politicians of prompting bad politics that undermine development.

Speaking at Mapimo Youth in Magarini on Tuesday, Dr Owino said apathy among the youth due to lack of adequate public education and misinformation by politicians, are part of the challenges that affected enrollment of youth into the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunity Programme (KYEOP).

Politicians have claimed the project was a gimmick. According to KYEOP Coast Regional Coordinator Willis Ombima, they organised several sensitisation forums to change the perception towards the initiative which had witnessed low turnout at the initial stages.

“The meetings changed the perception of the youth and more started applying. We received thousands of applications which was beyond our target. More than 6000 applied in Kilifi County. Mombasa and Kwale had over 8,000 applicants,"said Ombima.