Raila Outlines His Youth Agenda Ahead of the 2022 Elections

ODM leader Raila Odinga has outlined his agenda for the youth ahead of the 2022 general election.

Odinga, who is eying the presidency, said a seven-year tax holiday and affordable loans for enterprises owned by youth will be introduced under his administration.

He also pointed out that a Youth Commission will be established to advise both national and county governments on policies and programs that secure sustainable livelihoods for the youth.

"Ease of Doing Business in Kenya must begin giving particular attention to and providing accountability mechanism for how easy it is for young people to start a venture and build a business. The Tax Holiday for Youth businesses must be a reality, but that is just a start," said Odinga.

Young people will be given access to ICT, entrepreneurship training, and guidance and counseling on drugs and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS prevention among others.

"Maintain data bank on skilled youth, source support, including extending specific incentives to SMEs ran by craftsmen and artisans and ensure that their passions become professions, industries, and jobs," he added.

Further, Odinga proposed a review of student loans by expanding the limit to reflect the cost of living in Kenya, removing the interest rates accrued and CRB listing of the graduates.

"Design a policy for youth leaders program, both global and local by supporting 1,000 youth every year with paid internship in UN and other international agencies across the world to enable them to grow and be infused with best practices by developed countries," Odinga added.

He also promised to have the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) placed under the Ministry responsible for Youth Affairs.

“The youth make up 75 percent of the Country’s population, it beats logic to have an institution that is meant to help them placed at National Treasury, under a small toothless secretariat,” he argued.

Odinga further noted that the national government in collaboration with the private sector will roll out a 10,000 per year Kenya National Youth Internship program as well as revamp industries across the country to create employment opportunities for the youth.

“We should create a National Boda Boda fund and local Boda Boda assembly units for motorbikes to make them more affordable to support the potential of the over 2.4 million riders,” he said.