Salasya reveals bold plan to give youth lion’s share of govt opportunities
By Cynthia Lodite, August 19, 2025Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has called for bold reforms aimed at increasing youth participation in governance and public leadership.
The legislator made his remarks on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, on his official X account, while Salasya emphasised the urgent need to empower young people by ensuring they have meaningful roles in shaping policies and making decisions both at the national and county levels.
“We are going to establish policy platforms for the youth at the National and County levels, having actual decision-making power in leadership and governance,” Salasya said.
He further announced plans to actively involve the youth in the budget-making process and public participation forums to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in national priorities.
“Also, we will engage and include the youth in the budget-making process and in public participation. Implement and institute 30 per cent youth representation in public boards and leadership,” Salasya noted.
Ruto’s pledge to Kenyan youths
The Mumias East Member of Parliament’s remarks follow President William Ruto’s pledge to Kenyan youths, stating the pivotal role of young people in driving Kenya’s growth and development, describing them as the “single most decisive force” in determining the country’s destiny.
Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County, Ruto lauded the energy, creativity, and resilience of Kenyan youths, noting their influence in sectors such as science, technology, and sports.
“The single most decisive force that will shape Kenya’s destiny is not oil, gold, or any other natural resource it is our youth,” he said. “For generations, young people have been referred to as the leaders of tomorrow. Our youth are the builders of today, the architects of our future, and the driving engine powering Kenya’s rise to greatness,” Ruto said.
At the time, Ruto announced that his administration had developed a multi-pronged strategy to equip young people with skills relevant to the modern job market and to expand employment opportunities.
With nearly 800,000 youths entering the labour market annually, Ruto acknowledged the persistent challenge of limited opportunities and emphasised the need for future-ready training.
He singled out Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a cornerstone of economic transformation, citing data that TVET graduates are three times more likely than their peers to start small enterprises within two years of graduation.
He pledged to align TVET curricula with industry needs, modernise equipment, and expand public–private partnerships to facilitate apprenticeships and job placements.