Former Thika MP Patrick “Jungle” Wainaina addresses journalists after meeting members of the Akurinu Youth Connect group at a hotel in Nairobi. PHOTO/LAWRENCE ONGARO
By Lawrence Ongaro
Young people have been urged to have a vision for the future and be mindful of the consequences of their actions.
Former Thika MP Patrick “Jungle” Wainaina delivered the message to members of the Akurinu Youth Connect group on Friday, August 28.
Mr Wainaina said young people have a major role to play in changing the direction of the country if they choose visionary leaders who care about their interests.
“If you are ready to vote for leaders with good morals, you are certainly in a better position to improve your lives,” said Mr Wainaina.
He gave an example of how he built his career and became an expert in exporting macadamia nuts and avocados to foreign markets.
“I succeeded because I gave all the people I employed as managers the opportunity to run the business as if it belonged to them. This motivates them to work harder in the business,” said Mr Wainaina.
The politician, who is preparing to contest the Thika parliamentary seat, said his previous record speaks for itself.
During his five-year tenure, he oversaw the rehabilitation of roads and facilitated the provision of water in various areas.
“Do not accept false promises. Be vigilant and beware of leaders who deceive the public,” he said.
He urged the youth to be watchful when electing leaders who will address issues affecting schools and hospitals, create employment opportunities for young people and improve living standards.
Youth urged to prioritise education
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino advised the youth not to place too much emphasis on money but to prioritise education above everything else.
“If you have an education, you have a better chance of securing employment by coming up with new ideas,” he said.
He also urged the youth to exercise caution before choosing marriage partners.
He said they should put God first before entering into marriage, adding that many stable families depend on God.
Read more: Wainaina Jungle takes centre stage at DCP Thika rally
Mr Owino also explained his ambition to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027, with the youth assuring him of their overwhelming support.
Former Kiambu MP Jude Njomo urged the Akurinu youth to venture into business, saying entrepreneurship had helped him after retiring from Kenya Power, where he worked for about six years.
He said he had already mentored many young people in self-reliance and encouraged the group to follow his advice.
Mr Njomo said if the youth joined forces, they could make significant progress towards achieving their goals.
“It is better to start a small business and expand it into a bigger one later. If you reduce your expenses, you will be more successful,” Mr Njomo stressed.
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