Nairobi – February 9, 2025

Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, the Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency, welcomed the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Christopher Thornley, and the Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Warren Mucci, . The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for empowering young leaders and addressing pressing community challenges, including youth engagement, gender inclusivity, and climate change.

Strengthening Young Leaders’ Capacity

Discussions focused on enhancing the leadership capabilities of young Members of Parliament (MPs), equipping them with the tools and knowledge to lead impactful community-based programs. Particular emphasis was placed on creating pathways for youth engagement and empowering women to actively participate in governance and community development.

The meeting was also attended by Hon. Josses Lelmengit, Hon. Suleka Harun, and the CEO of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA), Mr. Anthony Buluma. Together, they explored avenues to collaborate on sustainable solutions for Kenya’s social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Empowering Young Leaders
   The Canadian High Commission pledged support to strengthen the capacity of young MPs in addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment, gender inequalities, and improving access to opportunities for young people and women. This partnership will focus on leadership training, mentorship, and resource mobilization.
2. Promoting Gender Equality
   Gender inclusivity remained a central theme, with discussions exploring ways to empower women in leadership roles and ensure equitable representation in decision-making processes. The commitment to women’s participation in governance and development was underscored as vital to achieving sustainable growth.
3. Addressing Climate Change
   Both parties recognized the urgent need for climate action and pledged to collaborate on climate-smart policies and initiatives. The discussions highlighted the role of MPs in promoting environmental conservation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable development to build climate resilience in their communities.

Commitment to Partnership and Collaboration

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Mukunji expressed his gratitude to the Canadian delegation for their support in addressing these critical issues.

“This partnership with the Canadian High Commission demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling shared challenges. Together, we can create a future where youth and women thrive, and climate resilience is central to our development priorities,” said Hon. Mukunji.

H.E. Thornley reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development agenda, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth leadership and women empowerment as pathways to achieving sustainable growth.

“Empowering young leaders and marginalized groups is critical to building resilient communities and fostering global partnerships,” said H.E. Thornley.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a commitment to developing actionable plans aimed at supporting young MPs in implementing impactful projects in their constituencies. The parties agreed to focus on training, mentorship, and resource mobilization while exploring areas of collaboration to address key challenges.

This engagement marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Canada while addressing issues that resonate with both local and global development agendas.

Hon. Mukunji’s leadership in advancing youth, women, and climate action reflects his vision of building resilient and inclusive communities in Manyatta and beyond.

For further updates on Hon. Gitonga Mukunji’s initiatives and partnerships, follow his official social media platforms.

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