Nyamira: Nyamira County Children’s Assembly has successfully elected new county leaders who will represent and articulate children’s issues whenever they are given a platform to make presentations on matters concerning their interests. Megan Kipkoech, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student at Nyansiongo Senior School, has been elected as the Governor of the Nyamira County Children’s Assembly.
According to Kenya News Agency, in his inaugural speech after being declared the winner of the coveted seat, which saw four contestants vying, Megan Kipkoech outlined his commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting children in Nyamira. He expressed gratitude for the support and promised to advocate for children’s rights both locally and nationally. Megan urged his peers to embody discipline, hard work, and advocacy for their deserved rights.
Davin Siocha, a 13-year-old from Mwancha SDA Junior School in Grade 9, was elected as the Speaker of the children’s assembly. She expressed her gratitude to her supporters and vowed to represent them effectively at the national assembly, focusing on challenges facing them, particularly issues affecting the girl child.
Ashley Mokeira, a 14-year-old from Omokonge School for the Deaf, expressed excitement at her electoral success, particularly as she overcame male contestants. Despite her hearing impairment, she found enjoyment and empowerment through the forum and appreciated the confidence her peers placed in her.
The county coordinator for children’s services, Asto Omollo, emphasized the importance of the children’s assembly in fostering early leadership skills. He highlighted how participation in the assembly helps children improve their personalities, understand their rights, and boldly advocate for them. Mr. Omollo elaborated that the assembly provides a child-friendly platform for effective participation in discussing issues affecting them, thereby enhancing their decision-making skills.
Nyamaiya Sub-County Assistant County Commissioner Wilberforce Yegon, who hosted the election and empowerment event, congratulated the winners and encouraged them to aim for national positions during the upcoming Kenya Children Assembly elections, acknowledging their potential for national leadership.
Mr. Omollo expressed gratitude to partners and supporters who contributed to the empowerment and election exercise, ensuring children have opportunities to lead and articulate issues affecting them. He thanked institutions such as Blessed Generation, International Solidarity Foundation (ISF), Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS), Muungano Gender Forum, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and banking institutions like Cooperative and Equity banks for their support.
The newly elected leaders will now participate in the national children’s assembly, where they will have the opportunity to vie for national leadership roles, including those of president and deputy president, before the end of the year.
