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| Foreign Affairs CAS Hon Ababu Namwamba, Mbita MP Millie Mabona, Kiambu County MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Hon Philip Kaloki among other guests at Homabay School |
International Youth Week was celebrated world over from 6th to 12th August with this year’s theme being ‘Transforming Education’ with a keen focus to highlight efforts to make education equitable, accessible and inclusive for youth as a key enabler towards the achievement of the SDGs.
Foreign Affairs CAS Hon Ababu Namwamba was the chief guest to mark the climax of the International Youth day celebrations at Homabay High School, Homabay County. He was accompanied by Mbita MP Hon. Millie Mabona, Kiambu County MP Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, Former Deputy Speaker Hon Philip Kaloki, Homabay Governor representative Waziri Dickson Nyawinda and hosted by the Youth Technical Working committee chaired by Mr. Bruce Ogweno.
The event brought together thousand youths who showcased innovative exhibitions, exemplary talent and commitment to playing a role in shaping the society.
Hon. Ababu emphasized the need for empowering the young people and said that the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is keen on pushing for scholarship opportunities for students to seek higher specialized training abroad and opening doors of opportunities in employment for young people overseas.
He praised the exhibitions done and talked on the need for young people to move with speed and adapt to the changing world technology and embrace this conquering territory. He praised the Homabay County for the steps they have taken towards blue Economy, including being the first county to create a department in charge of climate change.
Hon. Milly Mabona praised Hon. Ababu for fighting for the rights of young people during his days at parliament and as Youths and Sports Minister through sponsoring crucial bills that set good foundations for youth build up. She also promised to introduce the Reproductive Health bill in parliament. Her Kiambu counterpart Wamuchomba said that she will still go on advocating for men to marry more than one wife to accommodate the rising number of women.
The county government minister for environment Mr. Dickson Nyawinda said that the county is rolling out internship programs for youths from the county to give them industrial exposure and help gain relevant work experience. The assertions were echoed by the county youth coordinator Mr. Bruce Ogweno who was also doubles up as the convene of the county technical youth working committee.
Hon. Ababu promised to remain a champion of the youth agenda as he serves at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at his private capacity through the Ababu Namwamba Foundation which focuses on a three dimensional approach of transforming lives through education, talent development and economic empowerment.
He promised to keep up the Ababu Scholars program, which pays fees for needy students saying that seeds planted today would bring up great fruits in future, citing Homabay’s son the late Tom Mboya and his airlift programs which made America have the first black president Barack Obama.
Hon. Ababu later visited a Charcoal briquettes production plant in Karachuonyo that makes charcoal from water hyacinth that was funded by the Ababu Namwamba Foundation and promised to replicate it in other areas to fight logging for fuel, deforestation and climate change.
Hon. Ababu is set to be decorated with African Inspirational Personality Award this Friday for his exemplary works in inspiring and mentoring young people across Africa.
