Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has sharply criticized the proposal to establish a National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) aimed at addressing youth concerns, labeling it a waste of time. This comes after President William Ruto announced efforts to engage with dissatisfied youth across the country.
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, launched the process on Saturday, initiating a national dialogue to delve into the issues raised by the youth. In his address on Wednesday, President Ruto revealed plans to form the NMSF to involve all stakeholders in addressing these concerns.
However, Senator Osotsi dismissed the forum, arguing that Gen Z lacks designated leaders for such engagements. He urged the government to implement the solutions youth have already proposed.
“The Gen Zs are leaderless and cannot be coerced into identifying a leader who will dialogue with Ruto’s administration,” Osotsi remarked. He emphasized that the youth have clear issues that need immediate government action.
Despite this criticism, President Ruto has shown a willingness to engage with young people through X Space, responding to calls from Gen Z on social media platforms for dialogue in a more familiar setting. During a roundtable media interview on Sunday, the President expressed his openness to discuss youth issues on X.
“I am hearing that the young people are saying we don’t want a multisectoral forum, maybe we should have an engagement with the President on X. I am open to having an engagement with the young people on a forum they are comfortable with. If they want me to engage with them on X, I will be there,” Ruto stated. He highlighted key topics for discussion including taxation, unemployment, and corruption.
Senator Osotsi reiterated that youths want immediate action on issues such as corruption, funding of specific offices, punitive taxation, housing levy, and joblessness. He stressed the need for concrete government measures to address these pressing concerns.