By Seliphar Machoni
In the heart of Mumias West lies the vibrant community of Enyapora. The community members strive for a clear future where they receive clear information and can make informed decisions.
Amidst the rustling sugarcane fields and bustling market stalls, the youth of Enyapora eagerly gathered for a transformative dialogue hosted by Siasa Place. This dialogue focused on their role as citizens and the pressing need for accountability.
As time passed, the gathering grew larger and larger, with a diverse tapestry of young minds settling into their seats. Anticipation radiated from their faces as they awaited what Siasa Place had in store for them.
In the centre of the venue stood a podium adorned with coloured banners from Siasa Place, proclaiming “Defend Record Yako.” This symbolized the platform for change that awaited the participants.
The discussion kicked off, and the participants were prepared to voice what they had been holding in their hearts for so long, eager to release their burdens.
Among them was William Masanga, a spirited young man with dreams as vast as the African sky. With a voice resounding with passion and conviction, he expressed his concerns about the lack of information reaching the community.
“We are like ships adrift at sea, unaware of the currents that shape our destiny. When we ask about youth opportunities like ‘kazi kwa vijana,’ we are told that the required number of youth have already been employed. We wonder who these employed individuals are and when the application and selection process took place,” he lamented, echoing the sentiments of many other participants.
Beside him sat Abubakar Makana, a stoic young man whose gaze bore the weight of unspoken truths. With a furrowed brow, he spoke of the missed opportunities that slipped through the fingers of Enyapora’s youth like grains of sand.
“Our leaders make promises like raindrops in a drought, but the fields remain parched,” he remarked with a hint of frustration.
As the dialogue continued, the voices of Enyapora swelled and fell like a symphony of hope and disillusionment. Each participant had something to say, expressing their frustration with the disconnect between the community and its leaders. They shared stories of public participation meetings held in distant halls, where decisions were made without their presence and opportunities passed them by like fleeting shadows in the night.
“I regret attending public participation that day, even though uninvited. I followed the people going, which is how I ended up there. However, I deeply regret it because I did not have the opportunity to speak or express my views. They consistently chose others, disregarding my raised hand. When I asked why specific people were selected, I was told that they were specifically chosen to attend. I was shocked and made a vow to never attend public participation again,” Abubakar Makana explained, his regret evident on his face.
Amidst tales of struggle and strife, a beacon of resilience shone through – a collective determination to reclaim their voices and shape their destiny. Ideas flowed like rivers, converging into a reservoir of possibilities: frequent meetings to bridge the gap between leaders and the community, workshops to educate the youth about their rights and responsibilities, and advocacy campaigns to demand transparency and accountability from those in power.
As the dialogue came to a close, a sense of empowerment filled the air, igniting a spark of hope within the hearts of Enyapora’s youth. Through their shared struggles and aspirations, they found strength in unity – a testament to the transformative power of collective action in the face of adversity.
