International Youth Day: Youthful Senator Esther Okenyuri Endorses Green Skills For Young People

• The celebrations which began in Kenya on Monday, August 7, will culminate on International Youth Day on Saturday, August 12, 2023
• TUKO.co.ke understands that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day is: “Green Skills for Youth Towards a Sustainable World”
• Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri said the youth are an asset and collective future who are also the most affected by the vagaries of climate change

Nairobi - The commemoration of International Youth Day in Kenya is taking a form of a celebration of a youth week whereby a flurry of youth events and activities are currently running across this week.

The celebrations, which began on Monday, August 7, are envisioned to culminate on International Youth Day on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

TUKO.co.ke understands that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day is: “Green Skills for Youth Towards a Sustainable World”.

Ahead of the celebrations, nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri observed that the youth are an asset and collective future who are also the most affected by the vagaries of climate change.

“Majority of these youth are not only students but also teachers, budding industry captains, and emerging leaders. In a world-first with a fast-evolving climate change challenge, our focus on equipping the youth with green skills is quite strategic,” she said.

UN green skills concern areas

Okenyuri observed that the United Nations has expanded this year’s theme of green skills into five major areas of concern aimed at transforming the lives of young people for the better.

“The situation in our country is much more dire. The extent to which the youth have acquired green skills has not been measured and as we all know, what has not been measured cannot be managed,” Okenyuri added.

The youthful senator who doubles up as the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism petitioned the government to accelerate the formulation of a policy framework under which leaders can coordinate and consolidate their intervention.

“The youth need to be made aware of the unique challenges their generation has to grapple with and be ready to turn these challenges into opportunities,” said Okenyuri a member of the Health, Powers and Privileges Committees.

William Ruto on climate change

She also lauded President William Ruto on what she termed as cutting a powerful global voice on climate change mitigation.

“The relevant ministry must translate these strategic positioning by the president into tangible benefits for our young people. An example of such benefits is registering our youth in community groups who participate in activities like tree planting which has an effect in reducing carbon emissions earning from carbon credits,” she added.

TUKO.co.ke understands that International Youth Day is an annual event observed globally on August 12 by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 54 out of 120 of 1999.

The day aims to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community as well as to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

Ahead of the celebrations, the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) under the leadership of its chairperson, Manyatta MP John Mukunji and Executive CEO Antony Buluma took a momentous step towards the empowerment of the youth.

“I was delighted to welcome all participants of the 2023 Bunge Youth Dialogue in Parliament Mini Chamber, County Hall on Monday, August 7, 2023, to commemorate International Youth Week,” Buluma said.

Why Bunge Youth Dialogue?

The gathering Okenyuri observed that it provided a unique platform for young leaders from across the country to come together, exchange ideas and voice their vision for a sustainable world.

“During the event, we witnessed the enthusiasm and passion of the youth as they engaged in thoughtful discussions on pressing environmental issues and the key role, they play in shaping a sustainable future,” she told TUKO.co.ke.

For over two decades, International Youth Day has been used as an opportunity for governments and organisations to create awareness about issues affecting youths such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and equal rights.

“The day, therefore, calls upon everyone to join the efforts of the United Nations and help achieve its sustainable development goals. So, during this Youth Week, let us recommit ourselves to empowering the youth with green skills as well as access to resources and opportunities.” Okenyuri further said.

On his part, Youth Senator representing Kitui county, John Mueke told TUKO.co.ke that the youth form the majority of the global population yet they suffer the most due to unemployment, climate change, and high living standards.

"Given our population, most politicians see us as voting machines and not as a demography with unlimited and untapped potential. They mention the 'youth' as a blanket statement just to propel them to offices. Then they forget about us," he said.

County Aggregation Industrial Parks

Mueke, a lawyer by profession who has been nominated by the Youth Senate into the African Youth Council as the Commissioner for Political Affairs also said that the time had come for the young people to amplify their voices and advocate for the issues that matter to them.

"Whether it's education, employment, or environmental sustainability, let's stand up and be heard. Together, we can create a better Kenya for all," he added.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Okenyuri was pushing for the sensitisation and the involvement of women and youth start-ups in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs).

TUKO.co.ke understands that the planned KSh 4.5 billion County Aggregation Industrial Parks is meant to boost agriculture production in the country.

It is for this reason that Okenyuri wants the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism Committee to apprise the Senate of the measures taken by the government to encourage and support investment in value addition by women and youth startup enterprises in the Special Economic Zones and County Aggregation industrial parks.