The South Rift Regional Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies Youth Bunge was on Monday May 12, 2025 inaugurated with Nakuru County playing host.
During the event held at the County Assembly of Nakuru old chambers, Stephen Lino from Samburu County was elected the Speaker South Rift KYMCA Youth Bunge.
Lino garnered 20 votes out of the total 25 votes cast against her only opponent Lindah Kageha from Nakuru who got 5 votes.
A total 25 delegates( 5 from each county) participated in the elections as per the rules.
In his maiden speech after being sworn in by Assistant clerk at County Assembly of Nakuru Ms Christine Shivatse, the new South Rift KYMCA Youth Bunge Speaker vowed to maintain integrity in his leadership.
He lauded the County Assembly of Nakuru and County Government of Nakuru leadership for spearheading the elections.
“This is a great day and we would.like to thank the Host for the good reception. It is a wake up call to all young people in this country to take matters leadership seriously,” stated Lino.
Victor Kipyegon from Kericho County was declared winner of the Deputy Speaker after he went unopposed.
Samuel Mwangi from Laikipia won the Chief Whip position garnering 19 votes against
Pascal Kiprop’s 6 votes from Nakuru.
Meanwhile, Davis Rotich from Kericho was unopposed for the Deputy Whip position.
KYMCA CEO Chris Mark using his powers and previlleges bestowed upon Linda Kageha the position of Majority leader.
“Nakuru is our host and they have been good to us. As the CEO I have some powers and previlleges which I now use to create that position of Leader of Majority and Lindah Kageha from Nakuru will hold that position, ” he stated.
The South Rift Regional YMCA Youth Bunge delegates also elected chairs of various departments.
Ms Nelius Njoki from Laikipia was elected as chair for Education Department and will be deputized by Denis Lekimetet from Samburu County.
On the docket of Youth and Gender, Elizabeth Wanjiku(Nakuru) was elected Chairperson and will be deputized by Denis Cheruiyot(Kericho).
The docket of Trade will be led by Chairperson Chemutai Veronica(Bomet) and assisted by Vice chair Abdulrizak Ali(Nakuru).
The Health will be chaired by Gaitho (Nakuru) and deputized by Anne Nakonyo from Samburu.
While Agriculture will be chaired by Chepkurui Rono from Kericho County and deputized by Franklin Kipkoech from Bomet.
Earlier in the day, Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Joel Karuri:l welcomed the guests youth delegates recognizing MCAs Duale Hassan, and Wamaitha for having youth at heart.
“There is so much that youth can achieve in their early years, consistency and Almighty God grants the desires of your heart,” he stated.
He challenged the delegates that the inaugural is a clear indication that they will be stepping on the shoes of MCAs, urging them to take it seriously as is their chance to leadership.
The Speaker also thanked the KYMCA for the support towards organizing this forum.
“To all participants, make good use of the opportunity and use what you gain better your counties back home,” he said.
KYMCA South rift Coordinator MCA Hassan Duale stated that this is a movement that will inform and shape the politics of Kenya moving forward
He refuted notion that for one to contest any political seat must have financial muscles, adding that he himself did not have the funds but it calls for have good positioning.
According to the UDA Nominated MCA, the platform is towards empowering youth across the country to take up leadership positions.
He used the moment to laud Governor Susan Kihika for the support towards success of the day.
“I thank all those we have worked with among them Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika towards this forum. This shows how she is so passionate on youth matters,” stated Duale.
On her part Nakuru County CECM for Sports, Youth, and Gender Josephine Atieno who represented Governor Kihika challenged youthful delegates that Leadership begins with an interest and a clear positive attitude.
Sentiments echoed by Governor Susan Kihika Political Advisor Joseph Ruto.
“We urge youth to support our leadership for now and then try their bid in 2027. As young people, let’s remain humble and tap into the many opportunities available,” stated Ruto.
Speaking during the event, Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Katisya who is a also a member KYMCA said he has interest to keep on learning from his colleague young speakers and also inspire others.
“I believe this event will do us good as young leaders and the evidence will be in 2027 where we shall have many young parliamentarians. I urge young people to always be organized and they will go far,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru County Deputy Speaker Joseph Ngware Ng’ang’a who stated that the future belongs to the young minds in politics.
According to him, youth have moral obligation to serve this country.
KYMCA CEO Chris Mark who also graced the event, stated that inauguration is key to our young people in the country.
“As youth you have to partake politics for it plays key in shaping lives. The conversation starting here must go on even in our counties,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by Ms Winnie Nanjala from Leading Young Initiative where she serves as Programs Manager who called for the need for young people to be mentored.
She challenged youth to live by example, Take initiatives, and be open to learning.
“It’s not about the titles but the impact that you make in society. Your matters and so are your actions,” she said.