- The program will see him reach out to young people in universities and colleges during which he will issue public lectures on contemporary issues affecting the generation.
- Gachagua said that the potential of young people in the Nation is greatly embedded in the mentorship programs noting that he is set to work with university councils to empower the next generation.
Image: ODPS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched an outreach program aimed at empowering youth and promoting education reforms.
The program will see him reach out to young people in universities and colleges during which he will issue public lectures on contemporary issues affecting the generation.
Gachagua said that the potential of young people in the Nation is greatly embedded in the mentorship programs noting that he is set to work with university councils to empower the next generation.
“Thousands of our young people in our Universities and Colleges hold the future of Kenya. It is in this regard that President William Ruto and I focus on a mission to, besides other matters, engage the youth, and mentor them," Gachagua said during a public lecture at Murang'a University on March 20.
At Murang'a University, during the public lecture, Gachagua used his example to demonstrate how his decision to stop drinking helped transform him into the man he is today.
Gachagua recalled how he used to spend his entire night at a bar taking alcohol.
The DP said that he would sometimes drink a whole crate of beer or even one and a half.
"I used to drink a lot myself, a lot, a crate, a crate and a half of beer...I had some little money so I would stay there (in the bar) till morning, drink and drink and get wasted," Gachagua said.
"Since I made the decision to quit drinking my path has been rosy and you can see where I stand today," he said.
He said most of the friends he used to drink with then had become wasted, had died or could barely afford to put food on the table.
The DP is set to hold numerous such public lectures in universities to mentor and urge youth to shun bad behaviour such as drug abuse and alcoholism.
He is expected to issue another public lecture at Pwani University on Thursday.
Political analyst Joseph Gachane has said that the public lectures may be two-faced depending on the side one is affiliated with.
He noted that while some may interpret it as a sincere effort to engage with youth and promote government initiatives, others see it as a political manoeuvre.
“Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's university outreach represents a significant opportunity to empower youth and advance education reforms in Kenya," he said.
"By engaging with students directly and promoting dialogue, the DP demonstrates his commitment to addressing the aspirations and concerns of young people across the country.”
He added:
“With continued investment in education and youth empowerment, the Kenya Kwanza government is laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Kenyans.”
Charles Mwangi, a political analyst and a JKUAT lecturer, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of investing in education to unlock the potential of Kenya's youth.
He applauds Gachagua's focus on university outreach as a proactive approach to addressing challenges facing young people, including access to quality education and employment opportunities.
“Gachagua's efforts aligned with the Kenya Kwanza government's broader agenda of promoting youth empowerment and inclusive development and this is a great gesture in promoting education reforms across the Country,” he said.
Wanjiku Muhia, Kipipiri MP, commended Gachagua's outreach efforts noting that the move represents a commendable effort to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and positive change in the education sector.
She asserted that during the campaign period, they extensively toured the country, making pledges to Kenyans that they would institute crucial reforms aimed at stabilising the education sector.
“With initiatives such as the National Internship Program and the National Education Fund, the government is poised to transform the education landscape and empower future generations,’ she said
Wanjiku notes that the reforms on education that were presented to President Ruto by the task committee if implemented effectively, have the potential to revolutionise the education sector and empower students to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
“By mobilising grants, bursaries, and scholarships, President Ruto and his deputy aim to alleviate the financial burden on students and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities," Wanjiku said.
She rallied praise for Gachagua and urged other leaders to join the force and replicate the same in their constituencies.
Thuo Mathenge, Nyeri gubernatorial aspirant, views Gachagua's university tour as a strategic move to connect with the youth demographic and address their concerns, particularly regarding job opportunities and educational access.
He emphasizes the significance of Gachagua's engagement with students, stating that he (Gachagua) is demonstrating a genuine commitment to understanding their needs and aspirations.
“Gachagua's university tour signifies a positive shift towards engaging with diverse stakeholders in the education sector. By listening to students' perspectives and ideas, the government can better tailor its policies to address the evolving needs of young people." He said.
He noted that the initiative reflects a proactive approach to youth empowerment and education reform.