Kenyan Youths express support for the recently released BBI Report

By Perpetua Wachira and Shadrack Nyakoe

The Gema Youth United entitled Vijana Tuvuke na BBI has stated that it will support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report which was released on Wednesday by the National Steering Committee on BBI to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Handshake partner Raila Odinga at Kisii State Lodge.

The youths have expressed their joy after learning the youth-elevating recommendations were captured including a seven year tax holiday once they establish startup businesses.

The report also gave a grace period of four years to students for HELB Loan repayment from the day of graduation.

The youths also say that they are happy with another recommendation in the report that states that a youth commission shall be established as a constitutional commission to ensure the mainstreaming of the perspectives in planning decision making.

The young people led by Kelvin Shabaan Gichuhi thanked President Kenyatta for youth involvement in the noble process of making a better Kenya.

Gichuhi also thanked the youths for sharing their opinions, critics and support during the initial consultation stage in respective counties nationwide.

Kioi Wa Murera appreciated the report for Prompt Payment Act which seeks to ensure that any money owed to the youths by state agencies for tenders shall be paid within 60 days.

“BBI introduces incubation centers for businesses in each and every county and eventually, every ward (Biashara Mashinani). This will open up space for more youth to engage in business. The concept which takes the form Huduma Centre will provide a one-stop shop with all the relevant information and services in relation to business,” said Kioi wa Murera.

Kioi added that the mental heatlh task force will go a long way into providing a tailor made solutions that will ensure a healthy and productive Kenyan youth.

Wanjiku Ndirangu, a member of the group said the BBI report will suppress selfish individuals who perpetrate violence and destruction in Kenya simultaneously fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Wanjiku also urged the youths and Kenyans as a whole to read the report and make informed decisions.

“Let us shun away from being used to propagate any hate speech, incitement or any form of acts of violence in the disguise of supporting selfish and greedy individuals,” she said.