By IP Reporter
BUNGOMA, Kenya (IP) .
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli on Sunday urged national and county leaders to prioritize grassroots empowerment, saying lasting stability will only come when everyday Kenyans feel seen, heard and supported.
Wakoli made the remarks while addressing an empowerment forum in Tongaren Ward, hosted by Hon. Johnstone Okasida and attended by Members of the County Assembly.
“As leaders, our duty is to listen to our people and craft policies that uplift them,” Wakoli said. “Youths, boda boda riders, Mama Mboga and others are the real changemakers. Empowering them means empowering the entire county.”
His comments come as Kenya grapples with deepening political and economic turmoil.
At least 50 people have died since protests over the rising cost of living and alleged state brutality broke out in June.
Many of the demonstrators are young Kenyans angry over high unemployment and government corruption.
President William Ruto has ordered police to shoot violent protesters in the legs rather than use lethal force — a directive that has drawn criticism from rights groups and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, a government-backed youth program, dubbed Nyota, remains underfunded despite its KSh29.7 billion price tag.
Critics say the government’s pledges to uplift youth and micro-entrepreneurs have yet to translate into tangible outcomes.
Wakoli, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Blue Economy, has championed policy reforms that target smallholder farmers and grassroots business owners.
He said forums like the one in Tongaren are key to understanding the needs of ordinary citizens.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently echoed similar sentiments, pledging more support for small traders under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
He promised new policies and infrastructure—including modern markets—to support boda boda riders and Mama Mboga vendors.
According to a recent GeoPoll survey, 42 percent of Kenyan youth believe leadership change is necessary to end the protests, while 13 percent called for jobs and empowerment opportunities.
Youth unemployment in Kenya remains high, with nearly 39 percent of Kenyans aged 18 to 34 jobless.
“The voices of the youth must not only be heard in protests,” Wakoli said. “They must shape policy and drive development.”
As unrest continues across major cities and rural towns alike, leaders like Wakoli are pushing for solutions rooted in community, inclusion and long-term economic justice.
Ends.
