US embassy to host youth conference on reforms

The US embassy in Nairobi is preparing to host a national youth conference in November as part of its efforts to push for comprehensive reforms in Kenya.

The US ambassador, Mr Michael Ranneberger, disclosed this on Saturday saying it was President Obama’s new strategy of engaging directly with the Kenyan people to put pressure on the Grand Coalition leaders to deliver reforms.

According to the envoy, the American embassy was preparing a list of participants from various youth groups across the country who will discuss ways of maintaining the pressure on the Kenyan government to urgently implement reforms.

The ambassador made the remarks while addressing an open forum at Kathande Primary School in Mutito constituency where he engaged the local youth and civil society leaders in open discussions.

Change agenda

Accompanied by area MP Kiema Kilonzo and local civic leaders, the envoy said the youth must lead the change agenda by putting constant pressure on leaders to deliver.

The envoy said the US Government felt compelled to engage directly with the Kenyan people after realizing politicians would only act after being pressurised by the public.

Recently, the Obama administration threatened to impose travel ban on 15 high ranking Kenyan officials for their alleged failure to commit to the reform agenda.