Lucas Barasa

7 September 2010

Nairobi — President Kibaki has urged the youth to use the new Constitution to improve their lives as he awarded 600 of their peers.

Accompanied by Prince Edward of Britain who is also the Earl of Wessex, President Kibaki said the youth should take advantage of the opportunities created by the new law to transform the country.

"We now have a new constitutional order, which has defined and cemented the place of the youth in our society," the President said and also thanked the youth for being agents of reform and change in the country.

"The constitution is about present and future opportunities. Embrace it with courage and with an open mind."

Prince Edward is also the chairman of International Award Council while President Kibaki is the patron of the Kenyan chapter.

The President said the government would continue to put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure the youth have avenues to maximise their potential under the new law.

Kenyans have to remain united and focused for the achievement of Vision 2030, he said.

The Head of State awarded gold awards to 602 youth under the President's award-Kenya chapter.

He said it took the beneficiaries 18 months of dedicated work and self-service to the community to qualify for the award.

"I am particularly impressed that the young people we are recognising today have been involved in various voluntary services to the country," he said.

The youth partnered with the Ministry of Environment and the Kenya Forest Service in "Adopt a Forest Initiative" that has helped in reforestation and rehabilitation of environment.

This year's presentation coincided with International Year of the Youth, which started last month.

The President and Prince Edward also conferred life membership certificates to 30 members including Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura.

Also present were Youth Affairs and Sports minister Paul Otuoma and his assistants- Kabando wa Kabando and Wavinya Ndeti.

"Some of these life members, play critical roles in both the public and private sectors of our economy...This life membership bestows upon the individuals the responsibility to enhance the Programme's operations and philosophy among the young people," President Kibaki said.

He was happy that Kenya was chosen as Regional Centre in Africa for the International Award Association. Kenya is now set to host 22 countries running the award in Africa.

Kenya will also host the International Gold Event for 2011 that will bring together about 150 delegates from over 126 countries.

Prince Edward congratulated the winners for the gold awards, saying it is a nice experience being one of the beneficiaries.

He said the winners should now strive to make a difference in other peoples lives adding that they should walk tall for their achievements.

The Kenya Charity Sweepstake which gave Sh2 million for the awards, Safaricom, the Teachers Service Commission, G4S Security, Kenya Commercial Bank and Textbook Centre were given a thumbs up for supporting the initiative.

Hundreds of people turned up for the awards ceremony at State House and were entertained by among others Kenyatta University students, St George's Girls, Pumwani Secondary, Loreto Convent, Oshwal Academy and Jamhuri High School.