National

Ruto moves to form roadmap of engaging protesting Gen Zs

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. (Photo: X/Felix Koskei)

By Barack Oduor | Saturday, June 29, 2024

The government in its intention to form a National Multi Sectoral Forum tasked with engaging youths, requested various sectoral forums in the country to nominate representatives to constitute the new body.

President William Ruto on Saturday moved to announce that his administration is setting up forums to engage Kenyans of all walks of life concerning issues raised by youths following protests against Finance Bill 2024 that led to deaths and destruction of properties.

Through the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the government in its intention to form a National Multi Sectoral Forum (NMSF) tasked with engaging youths, requested various sectoral forums in the country to nominate representatives to constitute the new body.

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"In that regard, and to facilitate the establishment of the National Multisectoral Forum (NMSF), all national–level umbrella organisations representing youth, civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, business community organisations, academia, student leadership, Majority and Minority leaders of Parliament, the Council of Governors, and other stakeholder groups are requested to nominate representatives to constitute the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the NMSF," read a memo by Koskei.

According to Koskei's communication, the national steering committee will comprise 100 persons and shall be the highest organ of the NMSF.

The top organ will be tasked with providing the framework, modalities, agenda, and timelines for a national dialogue on matters raised by the angry youths who protested against the Finance Bill 2024, making the besieged head of state reject signing it into law.

Press Release:

The Executive Office of the President outlines the roadmap for the National Multi-Sectoral Forum on Youth Engagement. pic.twitter.com/MXZTpm0OFl
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) June 29, 2024

The communication outlines that matters to be addressed include jobs and other opportunities, the Nation's tax policy, the national debt burden, representation and accountability, anti-corruption measures and any other agenda deemed appropriate.

In Koskei's explanation, each umbrella body is urged to formally nominate two representatives of either gender for consideration for appointment to the National Steering Committee(NSC). He wants the nominations to be addressed to President Ruto through the Executive Office of the President located at Harambee House.

"Upon establishing the National Steering Committee of the NMSF, his Excellency the President will facilitate the first sitting of the NSC for the sole purpose of the Committee independently identifying the leadership of the forum. Subsequently, the forum will carry out its activities independently across all the 47 counties through a participatory, citizen-centric and inclusive process from the ward – level," wrote Koskei.

Ruto's administration has promised to engage all Kenyans and stakeholders by giving them an opportunity to present their proposals on the agenda items in person, remotely, individually and as groups.

"The NSC will also provide a framework and mechanism for engaging with political leaders in a bipartisan manner. As time is of the essence, the nominations are expected to be received by the Executive Office of the President on or before July 7, 2024," indicated Koskei.