The roadmap that President William Ruto will use to engage with the youth following the Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government protests has been outlined.
Responding to the protests, the Head of State promised to engage the youth, and now the way in which that will be done has been revealed in a statement signed by the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgei.
“In his national address on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, His Excellency the President announced that a National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) would be constituted to engage with all stakeholders in addressing the concerns raised by the youth.
“In that regard, and to facilitate the establishment of the National Multi-Sectoral Forum (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 statement said.
NSC composition
The National Steering Committee will comprise 100 people, and it will be the apex organ of the NMSF. Its core functions will include providing the framework, modalities, agenda, and timelines for a nationwide dialogue on matters raised by the youth.
Key items on the agenda that the committee will engage with and discuss with the presidency have also been outlined.
Jobs and other opportunities; the nation’s tax policy, the national debt burden, representation and accountability, and anti-corruption measures have also been outlined.
Before the engagements begin, each umbrella body has been requested to 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. Upon the establishment of the National Steering Committee of the NMSF, 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 47 counties through a participatory, citizen-centric, and inclusive process from the ward level,” the statement added.
The timeline for nominations by each group has also been strictly outlined.
“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.
“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,” Kosgei’s statement reads.