- The PS urged the youth to take advantage of numerous gainful youth programs rolled out by the government.
- The PS noted that as a build-up to the Jamhuri celebrations, the government has lined up various activities to engage young people and ensure they don't involve themselves in deviant behaviours.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
The principal secretary for internal security and national administration Dr Raymond Omollo has appealed to parents to be more vigilant during the festive season and ensure their children are not engaged in activities that risk ruining their future.
Speaking during the final matches of the five-day Suba Lowland Sports tournament at Nyakiamo Stadium in Sindo, the PS urged the youth to take advantage of numerous gainful youth programs rolled out by the government.
The PS noted that as a build-up to the Jamhuri celebrations, the government has lined up various activities to engage young people and ensure they don't involve themselves in deviant behaviours.
"Youth across the country have been gathering at the KICC to take part in various productive activities, including showcasing their talents as we prepare to mark Jamhuri Day celebrations," he said.
The PS reiterated President William Ruto's commitment to supporting the youth to identify and nurture their talents.
"The youth hold a special place in the heart of our president. He is keen to ensure his administration nurtures and supports the talented youth," he added.
" It is a good thing to engage the young people in activities that add Value. This is a noble way to nurture talent," the PS said.
He said when engaged in meaningful activities, young people can escape problems that befall them such as teenage pregnancies.
"As we gear towards Jamhuri, we have lined activities that keep the youth engaged. Talent and sports are valued by this administration," he said.
Earlier, while speaking at the same event, Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan decried the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in the county.
The county commissioner revealed that last year, a total of 8,035 teenage girls were impregnated.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
He asked parents to talk about the issue with their children.
About the tournament, the PS noted sports is an important tool that brings people together.
"This tournament has played a significant role by bringing back the Suba unity through sports," he said.
All clans of the Suba community took part in the tournament that brought together six teams which included Lambwe FC, Gwasi FC, Gembe FC, Kaksingri FC, Rusinga FC and Mfangano FC.
Dr Omollo also announced that a new sub-county which will be known as Suba Central will be gazetted soon.
He noted that he has been assured by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and the County Commissioner that there is enough land and offices to accommodate the new sub-county.
"This is in fulfilment of the promise by President William Ruto when he toured the area," he said
He pledged to work closely with the committee that organised the tournament to ensure the teams that took part were supported.
" We will ensure that the teams participate in other tournaments across the country," he said.
He appealed to Kenyans to allow elected leaders time to deliver on their campaign promises.
" We will then have the opportunity to assess their performance and decide whether they deserve to be reelected," he said.
Earlier, in a cultural ceremony, the PS was crowned as a Suba worrier ( Moran) by the Suba Council of Elders.
The event was held at Nyakiamo Stadium in Sindo Town.
The elders told the PS that they were fully behind him and President William Ruto's administration.
They also lauded him for supporting the revival of the tournament.
The last time the Suba Lowland Sports tournament was 30 years ago.
The elders asked the PS to push for the tarmacking of the Koguta junction to Sindo Town Road.
They further appealed to him to mobilize resources towards the improvement of the Nyakiamo Stadium to modern status.
Leaders who were present at the tournament included area MP Caroli Omondi, Felix Odiwuor Jalas ( Langata), Lake Victoria South Water Development Works chairman Odoyo Owidi, Gor Mahia FC chairman Ambrose Rachier, ICT expert Mark Matunga amongst others.
Caroli asked the PS to Consider the young players during recruitment of the police and in the armed forces.
"I'll ensure that promises made to the Constituency by President William Ruto are fulfilled," he said.
The MP reiterated that he will continue to support members of the community working in government. Caroli and Jalan'go however maintained that they were still in ODM.