•He spoke after meeting a section of youths at Governor Ali Korane’s residence.
•Youths who lacked IDs had difficulties travelling to other parts of the country.
Image: KNA
ODM leader Raila Odinga is in Garissa to popularise his Azimio la Umoja campaign slogan.
He promised to prioritise the livestock and education sector in the region.
Raila also said he would facilitate the issuance of national identification cards to youths in Garissa.
He spoke after meeting a section of youths at Governor Ali Korane’s residence.
The ODM leader said the government has already processed more than 10,000 IDs for the youths that will soon be out.
Responding to issues raised on screening at the Garissa-Tana bridge, Raila said the process was discriminatory calling for its immediate termination.
Youths who lacked IDs had difficulties travelling to other parts of the country.
“We have many towns that border neighbouring countries and are not subjected to the same,” Raila said.
He promised the creation of the Youth Affairs ministry and active Youth Enterprise Fund with clear policy and zero interest that will ensure youths prosper.
The youths presented an MoU to the former prime minister and assured him of their support.
The governor said that youths faced unemployment countrywide, a problem that needed to be addressed by both governments.
Korane assured Raila of unconditional support from Garissa residents.
“We have our local political differences but we are united on your 2022 agenda,” he said.
Present were Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, Wajir Governor Ahmed Muktar, Wajir Women Rep Fatuma Gedi and Siaya Senator James Orengo.
Others were Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Kenyan Ambassador to Botswana Mohamed Shidiye and several MCAs led by Ibrahim Abass.
Raila, while addressing his supporters outside the Garissa military camp on Sunday, said the Northeastern region has faced numerous challenges ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic to drought.
“We know that animals have died as a result of lack of water due to the severe drought ravaging the region,” Raila said.
“This region can be our economy backbone if we fully maximize the livestock sector. We want a state of the art slaughterhouse.”
The former prime minister said his leadership will ensure that KDF buys the same meat from residents while the other is taken to Saudi Arabia.
“All this is possible with good plans. We want to grow the region’s economy,” he said.
On teachers’ shortage in the region, Raila said his administration would ensure that Form 4 leavers will be prioritised in joining the teachers training college to address the problem.
Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera have since 2013 been faced with teachers shortage due to the mass exodus of non-local teachers following a spate of terror attacks by the Somali based al Shabaab terror group.
Raila, who ends his visit today, is expected to meet the Muslim clerics at Korane’s residence and later address delegates from Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Mandela.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris