TNA to fund youthful candidates

TNA to fund youthful candidates

Posted by LABAN WANAMBISI on July 12, 2012

A statement from the party said they plan to hold a fundraising at a later date for the initiative/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 12 – Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) Party has said it will set up a Young Aspirants Fund to support youthful candidates contesting for various political seats through the party ticket.

The party’s National Oversight Board said it arrived at the decision after realising that there are many young Kenyans who are “visionary, competent and passionate about leadership but shy away from participating in elections due to lack of financial resources.”

A statement from the party said they plan to hold a fundraising at a later date for the initiative.

Those eligible for the support will be identified from amongst candidates who will have won the party’s nomination and must be aged between 18 and 35 years and must be able to show need for such support.

Apart from financial support, TNA will train the successful candidates in campaign management, communication, fundraising and various other modules in readiness for the coming General Election.

The party will also name Trustees to this fund in due course.

Under the slogan ‘I believe’, the Deputy Prime Minister promised that TNA would incorporate the youth in its leadership saying it was time for them to lead the country.

“For the longest time, the youth have been told to look up to their elders but now a time has come for the elders to turn to the youth, let us collectively carry the nation forward,” Kenyatta told his supporters during the colourful ceremony which was held at the KICC.

TNA Secretary General Oloo Onyango said the country required transformative leadership as the clamour for change had come to a close with the promulgation of the new Constitution.

“Leaders who previously pushed for reforms are today the worst reformers and non-performers in government and political scene. That is why we refuse to accept leadership being imposed on us as we must usher a youthful crop of committed professionals,” said Oloo during the launch in May.

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