Nyamira, Kenya (GDN) – The Gen Z Nyamira Chapter has issued an urgent petition to the Governor of Nyamira County, demanding comprehensive reforms to address critical issues affecting the youth and the broader community. The petition, detailed and extensive, outlines 17 key demands ranging from infrastructure and employment to governance and healthcare.
1. Completion and Operationalization of Manga Stadium
The petition calls for the immediate completion of Manga Stadium, which has been under construction for an extended period. The youth group insists that the stadium be opened promptly to facilitate sports activities, benefiting the local youth and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
2. Activation of Youth Programs
The Gen Z Chapter demands the activation of various youth programs, including agribusiness, ICT, Ajira, and Kazi Kwa Vijana. They propose centralizing these programs under one office to ensure better coordination and dissemination of information, ultimately enhancing participation and skill development.
3. Employment Reforms for Senior Civil Servants
A significant demand is the termination of employment for civil servants and advisors above 60 years. The group argues that this would create job opportunities for younger professionals and inject fresh ideas into the county’s governance. They also call for the exclusion of retirees from municipal board recruitments and insist on youth representation.
4. Permanent Positions for ECDE Teachers
The petition urges the county to convert contracts of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers to permanent and pensionable terms. It also calls for the renewal of expired contracts and the empowerment of village polytechnics to provide essential skills training, improving early childhood education and vocational training for the youth.
5. Youth Representation in Governance
The Gen Z Chapter demands 30% youth representation in appointments, tenders, and decision-making processes. They call for a revision of the county cabinet to reflect this inclusion, ensuring that young people have a significant voice in governance.
6. Transparent Job Advertisements
To promote fairness and equal opportunity, the petition demands the public advertisement of all county government job vacancies. This transparency is aimed at preventing nepotism and ensuring that all qualified individuals have access to job opportunities.
7. Resignation of the Youth CEC
The group demands the immediate resignation of the current Youth CEC, citing inefficiency and a lack of effective youth engagement. They propose redeploying the youth department under the Governor’s office, led by a dedicated Youth Advisor.
8. Anti-Corruption Measures
Addressing corruption head-on, the petition calls for the suspension of all corrupt and inefficient County Executive Committee (CEC) members and Chief County Officers (CCOs). It highlights the need for a reshuffle in the municipal department, particularly in areas like garbage collection, street lighting, and markets, and suggests enhancing garbage collection through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with significant youth involvement.
9. Development and Implementation of Youth and Child Policies
The group insists on the development and actualization of youth and child policies, including the organization of a convention to discuss these issues. They also call for the reintroduction of cultural initiatives such as the Miss and Mr. Nyamira Beauty Pageants to robustly support culture and arts.
10. Equipping Hospitals
The petition highlights the need for hospitals to be adequately stocked with essential commodities, including reproductive health supplies. It also calls for the establishment of youth-friendly centres within hospitals and the acquisition of heavy machinery for county-wide road repairs to improve mobility.
11. Utilization of Completed Projects
The group demands the opening of all completed projects, such as hospitals, markets, and offices. They request a report within 14 days on all pending or stalled county projects, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
12. Removal of Unroadworthy County Vehicles
To enhance service delivery, the petition calls for the removal of county government vehicles from various garages and the disposal of unroadworthy vehicles.
13. Reintroduction of Governor Mashinani Forums
The youth group advocates for the reinstatement of the Governor Mashinani forums to facilitate direct engagement between the county’s leadership and the community at the grassroots level.
14. Addressing Nepotism
The petition brings to light several instances of nepotism within the county administration, explicitly naming officials who have familial ties to the Governor.
The Gen Z Nyamira Chapter asserts that these appointments are illegal and unconstitutional, failing to reflect the county’s diversity and excluding representation for persons with disabilities (PLWD) and youth. The named officials include:
- Mr. Nyambane, the Solicitor, is the Governor’s brother-in-law.
- Mr. Maina, CEC Member for Trade, is also the Governor’s brother-in-law.
- Dr. Mogoi, CEC Member for Health, is a cousin of the Governor’s wife.
- Dr. Grace, CEC Member for Sports, from the Governor’s sub-clan.
The petition also highlights irregular employment practices, such as:
– The senior administrator at Kemera is the sister of MCA Enana of Itibo.
– The Chairman of the Board, who has employed his sister.
– The MCA of Esise, who has appointed his daughter.
The Gen Z Chapter calls for an immediate review of these appointments to ensure merit-based hiring that reflects the county’s diverse population and provides opportunities for all qualified individuals.
15. Completion of Key County Projects
The group calls for the completion of significant projects, including the county headquarters, Manga Stadium, Nyamaiya Stadium, Esanige Stadium, and official residences for the Governor and Deputy Governor.
16. County Intergovernmental Development Plan (CIDP) 2022-2027
The petition requests detailed information on the County Intergovernmental Development Plan, including development project highlights, implementation matrices, scorecards, and State of the County addresses.
It also seeks summaries of County Assembly questions and answers, lists of roadworks and tenders, and explanations for ongoing recruitment despite an excessive wage bill.
17. Transparency in County Bank Accounts
The Gen Z Chapter demands a detailed report on county bank accounts, including the banks holding the accounts and the designated signatories and their mandates. This call for transparency aims to ensure financial accountability within the county government.
“We expect an acknowledgement and a detailed response within seven days of receipt of this petition,” the document states. The Gen Z Nyamira Chapter has warned that failure to address their demands will result in continued peaceful protests and potential legal actions.
The Governor’s office has yet to respond publicly to the petition.
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