By Peter Ochieng
President William Ruto has given an okay to the formation of a National Steering Committee (NSC) to spearhead youth-led dialogue over various issues affecting the country.
The move comes in the wake of ant-Finance Bill 2024 protests, with Ruto being forced to withdraw the piece of legislation in its entirety, after demonstrations organised online by youth, popularly known as millennials and Gen-Zs led to breach of Parliament on Tuesday.
A Saturday statement by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei stated that the committee which it’s membership may go up to 100 will include representatives of the youth, civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, business community organisations, academia and student leadership.
Leaders of Majority and Minority in the National Assembly and Senate, and representatives of the Council of Governors (COG) will also be part of the committee.
Each body has been directed to nominate two representatives, with the nominations expected to reach the office of the Head of State by July 7th, 2024.
“Each umbrella body is requested to formally nominate two representatives of either gender for consideration for appointment to the National Steering Committee (NSC). The nominations should be addressed to the Executive Office of the President, Harambee House,” said Koskei in the statement.
President William Ruto will facilitate the first sitting of the forum to identify the leadership. The committee will then carry out its activities independently across the 47 counties through a participatory process in every ward.
“In keeping with our national values and principles of governance on public participation, every Kenyan and all stakeholders will have an opportunity to present their proposals on the agenda items in person, remotely, individually or as groups,” added the Head of Public Service.
Matters to be looked into are jobs and other opportunities, nation’s tax policy, national debt burden, representation and accountability, anti-corruption measures and any other agenda items deemed appropriate.