PSs Ouma Oluga(Medical Services) and Raymond Omollo(Interior) consult during a meeting with Kisumu youths at Sosa Cottages on April 20, 2025/HANDOUTKisumu County youth representatives from all 35 wards convened for a high-level consultative forum aimed at enhancing their role in governance, security, and socio-economic empowerment.
The meeting held at Sosa Cottages, Kisumu on Sunday was co-chaired by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga and Interior PS Raymond Omollo
The forum focused on addressing youth concerns through structured engagement and targeted programmes.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Omollo emphasized that the engagement is part of a broader effort by the government to listen, learn, and showcase key development programmes being undertaken under President William Ruto’s administration.
He underscored the importance of youth involvement in nation building and stressed the need for consistent dialogue with citizens.
“This is part of the ongoing national conversations we are holding as a Ministry, where we’re meeting Kenyans across the country to listen to them about what issues they care about and to also explain what the government is doing,” said Omollo.
Omollo acknowledged that the uptake of universal healthcare in the region was lagging, noting that counties like Mombasa had already surpassed 50% of their registration targets.
“We must increase enrollment so that when people fall ill, they are able to access affordable healthcare. Kisumu and the larger lake region are behind, and we need to change that,” he said.
Dr. Omollo also spoke about leveraging the government’s digital economy programs to monitor and nurture youth talent. He highlighted affordable housing as another area where young people could find opportunities, either through employment or entrepreneurship.
“The youth make up the bulk of our country. This is a serious resource that needs proper nurturing,” Omollo said, stressing the need for structured mentorship programs to guide the next generation.
The PS challenged the youth not to be lured into criminal activities out of frustration or unemployment, adding that the government is working to expand avenues for youth participation in development.
He concluded by affirming that such forums will continue across the country.
“Just the other week, my Cabinet Secretary was in the Coastal region having the same conversations. This is something we’ll do across all counties. We want to listen, and we want to show the people what President Ruto’s administration is doing so that they, too, can take part in building this nation.”
Interior PS Raymomd Omollo arrives for the forum/HANDOUTDiscussions centered on practical strategies to amplify youth voices in decision-making processes, promote inclusive governance, and improve community policing frameworks.
Youths welcome PS Raymond Omollo for the meeting/HANDOUTStakeholders emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to foster safer communities while creating avenues for youth participation in public service and development.
The forum also explored ways to strengthen skill-building initiatives tailored to equipping young people with practical competencies for self-reliance.
Participants highlighted the need for sustained investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and access to national empowerment programs.
Youths follow proceedings during the meeting co-chaired by PSs Raymond Omollo (Interior) and Dr Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) at Sosa Cottages Kisumu on April 20, 2025/HANDOUTThe organisers underscored that meaningful youth inclusion is not only vital for national cohesion but also for driving innovation and sustainable development.
Youth speaks as the organisers take notes during the Kisumu youth empowerment forum at Sosa Cottages on April 20, 2025/HANDOUTThe consultative meeting marks a continued commitment by government stakeholders to integrate young voices in shaping the country’s future while addressing the unique challenges facing the youth across Kisumu County.
