Kilifi unveils first youth assembly, woman picked as president

 A 24-year-old woman has been sworn in as the first youth assembly president in Kilifi county in a colourful ceremony held at the Malindi Cleopatra grounds.

Jacinta Mbeyu Sanga, a fourth-year law student at Kabarak University, was sworn in alongside deputy president Dennis Kazungu, together with 10 cabinet secretaries in an exercise presided over by Malindi chief magistrate Dr Julie Oseko.

Kilifi speaker Jimmy Kahindi who was the chief guest at the ceremony  later oversaw the swearing-in of 35 members of the assembly from every ward. The youth assembly is unique as its mode of operation is the parliamentary system and seeks to help in the formulation of policies at the grassroots level and also nurture youth in leadership from an early age to tap various leadership talents within the society.

Mbeyu took the oath of office and shall serve for three years.

There was pomp and colour as all the leaders who were sworn in came accompanied by their families and were formally dressed.

Mbeyu, who was accompanied by her father and other close relatives, changed into Giriama regalia right after she was sworn in. After signing all the relevant documentation for accepting office, she was given the instruments of power that included a shield and a spear.

In her acceptance speech, the president thanked the people for believing in her and called for cooperation with her Cabinet Secretaries, MPs, and even the elected leadership of Kilifi  to help move forward as the youth assembly.

Mbeyu, who is a firstborn in a family of six, said with their policy, they would conduct youth barazas and collect views from the community and then present them to the youth assembly for deliberation.

"Once passed by the youth assembly, it will be forwarded to the county assembly because the youth assembly does not have the mandate to pass laws," she said.

"We shall be having youth barazas and will need you as a community and youth to participate because it's through your contribution that we can come up with policies to champion for the development of our county.

The deputy president on his part thanked all those who trusted him and the president with an opportunity to serve them.

He said it's time youth moved away from the notion that there are no jobs as they are the majority and have the ability to push their agenda.

"We have to make certain decisions for our issues to be addressed," he said.

The chief magistrate commended the president and her team specifically for allowing a woman to lead the Kilifi youth assembly saying it shows that people have begun having confidence in women.

Oseko said previously, women were supposed to be in the kitchen but now that Mbeyu is being seen in such position, shows there is good will for women in leadership.

She said all the magistrates court at the Malindi law courts are led by women and urged the youth to ensure they go out there and mentor their peers to start appreciating leadership and political aspirations.

"We hope to see you in those official positions of heading the country in future," she said.

The Kilifi speaker said he has been supportive of the newly elected youth assembly leaders and asked them to feel free to come and seek guidance at the county assembly.

Kahindi challenge the youth leaders to begin mentoring their fellow youths and ensure they sensitise them to register as voters.

Also present was the president of National Youth Assembly Ali Sudi, Mombasa youth assembly president Mbarak Mbarak and Malindi law society officials.

Sudi urged the new Kilifi youth assembly leadership to ensure they operate with respect and integrity as their actions will be reflected in the society.