By Yoga David.
Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili and the participants at Acacia Hotel in Kisumu/ Photos by Collins Owuor
Kisumu County is once again at the center of regional dialogue as it hosts the 2nd East African Youth Parliament (EAYP) high level seminar on Strategic Leadership and Governance at the Acacia Premier Hotel.
The three-day forum, running from August 27th to 29th has drawn youth leaders, policymakers and delegates from across the East African region to deliberate on ethical governance, sustainable leadership and role of youth in shaping the future of public service.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili represented and officially opened the seminar on behalf of Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o.
The conference themed “Empowering Ethical Leadership and Governance; Building a Sustainable Public Sector Future,”
It provides an important platform for young leaders to exchange ideas, challenge existing governance models and propose solutions that can anchor sustainable growth across the East African Community.
In the Governor’s speech delivered by DG Owili, Governor Nyong’o emphasized the noble duty of public service and to those who serve in the public service.
“Public service is not merely a career; it is a calling. It is the noble task of translating the aspirations of our people into tangible reality” said Governor Nyong’o.
He challenged youth leaders to redefine this calling with integrity and innovation. On sustainability, the Governor urged participants to think beyond the present, observing that:
“A sustainable public sector thinks in terms of generations, not election cycles. It means moving beyond short-term fixes to create policies and systems that are economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sound”
Further talking on the importance of ethics, Governor Nyong’o noted “Ethical governance is the software that runs the hardware of the state. It’s about building a culture of integrity that goes beyond mere compliance”
The seminar will feature plenary sessions and networking opportunities aimed at equipping the delegates and youths with practical tools for leadership and governance.
In attendance were County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, CECM Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Beatrice Odongo, East African Youth Parliament President Hon. Jeremiah Kisangau, Kelvin Mugwe, Secretary General of EAYP., County Statistics & Planning Director Leonard Kwama amongst other representatives.