Raila to launch ODM programme for youth

ODM leader Raila Odinga will on Monday launch a new party programme seeking to reconnect it with the youth and address their issues.

Mr Odinga is set to launch the Arise Programme at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu at a function to be attended by youth leaders and party supporters from Nyamira, Kisii, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties.

Governors from the five Nyanza counties are also expected at the event where they will showcase the programmes for the youth in their jurisdictions.

At the event, Mr Odinga will unveil programmes the party plans to unveil immediately after the elections set for February 28.

Organisers say the former PM will lay on the table how, despite failing to capture power in 2013, the party intends to pursue its pledge to help youth start businesses and secure funding to sustain self-employment.

Mr Odinga will also address plans to help the youth with career choices and also address social and family issues.

“We are setting up teams to help young people in schools and colleges make career choices. We will be getting professionals to talk to boys and girls during school holidays about careers,” one of the organisers told the Nation.

Officials elected on February 28 are expected to take up the plan laid out by Mr Odinga on Monday and push it to the grassroots and have it accepted by the youth.

The Monday event is seen as an attempt by Mr Odinga to reactivate and energise the party's support base and will be rolled out to the whole country by the new leadership.

During the 2013 election campaigns, Mr Odinga promised to restructure the Youth Fund and Women Fund by giving training on business skills to the youth before giving them grants and later loans to run businesses.

The former PM is said to be keen on consolidating his support from the youth ahead of 2017 elections.