Governor Lusaka Urges Youths To Embrace Dialogue With Government As Tension On Finance Bill Eases

By Isabella Maua

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called upon youths, especially the popular Generation Z, to embrace dialogue, especially after President Ruto bowed to pressure and rejected signing the Finance Bill 2024.

While addressing parents and students during the mentorship and cooperative social responsibility activity at Kibuk Girls’ High School in Mt. Elgon Sub County on Friday, Lusaka assured youths that the government is open and willing to reach an amicable solution to burning socioeconomic issues.

“You have made your point, and the government has listened to your genuine concerns. It’s time we had dialogue because much damage has already been done. There is no need to destroy what we struggled to build for many years,” pleaded Lusaka.

He also affirmed parents of support from the government in terms of both boy and girl child empowerment, citing that it is crucial not to leave out the boy children, who have almost been neglected in the recent past.

“We have witnessed many programs being done to empower women and the girl child, but we shall be at risk if we don’t include the boys in this success journey,” he noted.

Harriet Chiggai, President’s Women Rights Advisor, also beseeched youths to tone down and accept finding amicable solutions that will favour today’s and tomorrow’s generation.

She observed: “We shall not be young forever, so as we continue to fight for our rights, let us think of our mothers and children, who happen to be more vulnerable in such chaotic times.”

Janepher Mbatiany, the county’s second-in-command also emphasized the importance of education for both genders, observing that it will be critical in ensuring zero tolerance for teenage pregnancy in the region.

“Teenage pregnancy has been a pain in the neck since time immemorial, and we cannot continue watching a generation go down; this is what adversely affects the country’s GDP,” accentuated Mbatiany.