Ruto called on representatives from various sectors of the country including religious groups, civil societies, political parties and even professional groups to submit their recommendations.
President William Ruto on Tuesday, July 9 announced the commencement of the National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) set to engage with all stakeholders in addressing the concerns raised by the youth.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi after assenting to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Head of State revealed that the forum would begin from Monday, July 15, all the way to Saturday, July 20.
Ruto called on representatives from various sectors of the country including religious groups, civil societies, political parties and even professional groups to submit their recommendations.
Kenyans protest against the Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi. /ALJAZEERA
“This will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country. In the interest that we live within our means, all participants will bear their costs of attendance,” Ruto stated.
Through his office, the Head of State on Saturday, June 29 announced that to facilitate the establishment of the NMSF, all national-level umbrella organizations representing the youth, civil society, religious organizations, professional bodies, business community organizations, 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.
The matters include but are not limited to
- Jobs and other opportunities;
- The national debt burden;
- The Nation’s tax policy;
- Representation and accountability;
- Anti-corruption measures; and
- Any other agenda items as deemed appropriate.
Meanwhile, the formation of the NMSF received the backing of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, stating that he approved the formation of the multi-sectoral forum following a consultative meeting with the Head of State.
He encouraged Kenyans from different sectors including the youth to utilize the opportunity and raise their grievances for a lasting solution to be reached.
“I can confirm that we have had consultations and after the consultations, we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we have had as a country,” Raila stated.
“We have agreed we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found.”
Siding with Ruto, the former Prime Minister agreed that everybody would bear their costs for coming to the forum.
