GARISSA – The Northeastern Youth Bunge Forum is set hold elections on Wednesday at the Garissa County Assembly to select young women and men as officials to serve in the assembly.
The forum is mandated to take action to improve their own lives and those of their neighbors, develop new leadership skills, and promote transparency.
Salah Yarow Omar, a community service and youth empowerment advocate is vying for the position of Speaker.
Mr. Salah told Kulan Post that he aims to inspire positive change and create opportunities for the region’s young population.
The Northeastern Youth Bunge Forum targets to empowers the youth to expand their economic opportunities and contribute to their communities.
It encourage youth leadership and a youth voice in local and national policy dialogue, as well as increased youth participation in local development and peace initiatives.
A Background Rooted in Service
Salah’s journey into leadership is driven by his deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people in Northeastern Kenya.
“My experiences growing up in this region have shaped my perspective on the urgent need for youth empowerment,” Salah said.

Mr. Salah is Passionate about education, job creation, and mental health advocacy in addressing key challenges faced by the youth. Photo/ Courtesy
“I am inspired to run for this position to be a voice for our aspirations and to advocate for policies that uplift our community.”
With strong communication skills, extensive leadership experience, and a collaborative mindset, Salah brings a wealth of expertise to his candidacy.
His past roles in youth organizations have equipped him with the tools to unite diverse groups and implement impactful initiatives.
A Bold Vision for the Future
If elected, Salah told Kulan Post, he plans to focus on three key areas: enhancing access to quality education, creating job opportunities, and promoting health and wellness programs for the youth.
He is committed to establishing mentorship and vocational training programs.
He also advocating for building partnerships with local businesses to provide internships and employment opportunities.
“To address the challenges of our region, we must invest in initiatives that directly empower our youth,” he said ahead of the elections.
He said they include mentorship programs, vocational training, and advocating for mental health resources tailored to their needs.
Salah envisions creating platforms such as youth councils and forums to ensure youth voices are heard in decision-making.

Salah Yarow Omar advocates for the youth of the region to make their voices heard. Photo/ Courtesy
“Active participation in leadership roles will not only amplify our voices but also ensure our contributions are valued in shaping policies that impact us directly,” he said.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Salah is equally passionate about fostering trust within the Northeastern Youth Bunge.
He plans to implement regular reporting mechanisms, encourage open communication, and establish an independent oversight committee to monitor the forum’s activities.
“Transparency and accountability are the foundations of effective leadership,” Salah said.
He added, “by building a culture of openness, we can align our actions with the needs and expectations of our community.”
A Call to Action
Salah has urged the youth who will converge at Garissa County Assembly to actively participate in shaping their future.
“Embrace the power of your voice and make your vote count,” he said.
“This is our opportunity to choose leaders who represent our hopes and aspirations. Together, we can build a future that prioritizes our collective growth and empowerment.”
The forum aims to foster unity, self esteem, access to information for socio-economic development among the youth and children of North Eastern Counties.