Youth have been challenged to rise up and take up the role of oversight in their respective counties.
Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki said the role of oversight of the county governments cannot be left to the County assemblies and National assembly alone.
Speaking during the launch of the Mombasa International Republican Institute (IRI) youth cohort, Faki said the youth are at a better position to play the role of oversight.
"The role of oversight begins with the citizens themselves and it is very encouraging to see our youth as witnessed today coming out to also take that role." said Faki.
The Senator called on more donors and non- governmental organisations to come out to train and build capacity on the youth on the role of oversight.
"We need to train more youths and encourage them to take the role of oversight, we should not leave that role of our County assemblies and the Senate alone. This will help alot in preventing corruption and losing funds meant for development"
His sentiments were echoed by Mombasa youth leader and Kenyatta International conference centre (KICC) Director Mgeni Mboto who challenged the youth to also take charge of leadership.
"We have the potential and strength to bring change in our counties, let us not wait for someone to give us that opportunity, lets get out create and take the opportunities" argued Mboto.
On his part Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights Chairman Zedekiah Adika called on the National government to ensure that funds meant for development projects are disbursed to the counties on time.
"The allocation to counties should follow the law. Counties should get their funds, they should delay money to counties and start looking for excuses. The national government should release all functions meant for counties and release their funds." said Adika
Adding "As civil societies we will support and walk with the youths who have been trained on oversight"
Speaking at the same forum, Mombasa county secretary Jaizen Farouk challenged the youth from the county to put the county government on check and play their oversight role with no fear.
"As the county government we have been involving members of the public in our projects through public participation and budget making and we believe now that we have this group of youths our work will also be much easier and I believe we will all work together with the aim of making our county great."
Mombasa IRI youth cohort Chairman Hassan Athman said they will soon be working on their masterplan .
"We will be working with all the youths from our county, encourage my fellow youths to welcome and take up this project. I believe we have what it takes to perform the task of oversight" said Athman.
