President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have provided a way forward on the planned discussions with the youth protesting against the government.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 9, the leaders mentioned that the multi-sectoral engagement forum is on and urged the youth to submit the names of their representatives.
Ruto stated that they agreed to bring the country together to address issues that are a priority for the people of Kenya.
He said the forum will now consist of 150 participants, 50 more than the number initially announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
Out of this, the youth have been allocated 50 slots, while the remaining will be occupied by leaders from other sectors.
“We will move ahead with the multisectoral forum, and we have agreed that a membership of 150 representatives of various stakeholders, fifty of whom shall be young people of Kenya, while the other 100 will be representatives of all the other sectors,” Ruto said.
Ruto Gives Discussion Dates & Deadlines
Ruto revealed that the forum will begin on Monday, July 15, and end the following Saturday.
“It will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country,” he said.
The President said all participants will bear the cost of their attendance in the interest of ensuring that Kenyans live within their means.
“We look forward to beginning the forum on Monday, and the various stakeholders are expected to submit their representatives by Friday this week,” Ruto said.
Also Read: Kalonzo Faces Ruto, Gives Him 3 Demands
Raila Supports Talks
On his part, ODM Leader Raila Odinga said a dialogue between all the stakeholders is the only way forward out of the crisis facing the country.
He stated that the forum will give Kenyans a chance to air their problems and enable the government to provide a lasting solution.
“We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves, and come up with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” he said.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Disowns Engineer Days After Ruto’s Appointment
He maintained that the forum should be an engaging conversation to tackle the fundamental issues affecting the nation.
Raila said the forum will help identify the problems and come up with solutions to the problems which he says are solvable.
“I think that this forum will work and will help us move forward, and we want representatives from political parties, religious groups, civil society, the working community, employers, professionals, and particularly the youth,” he said.
He mentioned that the forum will discuss the issues of unemployment, corruption, ethnicity, debt servicing, and the management of the economy.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
