WEST POKOT – Youth in West Pokot have been urged to take a more active role in civic and development affairs as the county officially launched the 2026 International Youth Week celebrations in Makutano this August.
The celebrations are being held under the global theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” bringing together young people, development partners, and key stakeholders to address pressings issues and promote youth participation in community and county growth.
The launch was presided over by the County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Services, Lucky Litole, who represented Governor Simon Kachapin. Litole emphasized the county’s commitment to creating platforms that enable young people to access essential services, engage in decision-making, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“Different contexts may shape the experiences of young people, but their aspirations remain common. We must therefore create opportunities that enable our youth to participate and realize their potential,” Litole stated.
To kick off the week, the launch featured awareness sessions focused on sexual and reproductive health, access to youth-friendly services, voter registration, and blood donation. These sessions aim to equip young people with critical information on available resources while encouraging active civic responsibility.
The county government confirmed that celebrations will continue across different parts of West Pokot with a series of grassroots activities. Upcoming events include an X Space Youth Dialogue scheduled for Friday and the Siyoi Youth Dialogue on Saturday.
This initiative comes at a critical time when youth participation in civic affairs, health education, and economic empowerment remain central to improving the overall well-being of young people across the county.
