By WMW
Nyeri senatorial aspirant Nick Mararo has pledged to champion policies that support youth empowerment, small businesses and grassroots initiatives if elected, saying meaningful leadership must be guided by the voices of ordinary citizens.
Mararo, the Chief Executive Officer of Base Yetu, a private entity focused on empowering young people through sports-based programs such as pool table activities, made the remarks during his ongoing Mashinani tour across Nyeri County.
Speaking after engaging with pool players at one of their local “bases”, Mararo said such spaces play a critical role in youth development beyond recreation.
“One of the most interesting stops during my Mashinani tour was a conversation with pool players in one of their bases,” he said, adding, “For many young people, these spaces are more than recreation zones. They are talent hubs as well as social spaces.”
He noted that initiatives such as Base Yetu and Krekit have demonstrated how structured support can help nurture talent while providing young people with opportunities for social and economic growth.
Mararo said he intends to push for policies that recognise and support youth-driven platforms that provide safe spaces for young people to develop their skills.
“We will continue to push for policies that recognise, protect and support such platforms for youth development because when young people are empowered, the entire community benefits through stronger social bonds, safer spaces and expanded economic opportunities,” he said.
During the tour, the senatorial aspirant also held discussions with business owners in Nyeri Town, acknowledging their role in sustaining the local economy.
He described small-scale traders and entrepreneurs as the backbone of the region’s economic activity, noting that their daily efforts often go unnoticed despite their impact.
“As part of my continuous engagement with our people, I spent time with business owners in Nyeri Town; the men and women who open their doors early, close late and quietly keep our economy moving,” he said.
Mararo emphasised that effective policies must be informed by the experiences and concerns of people working at the grassroots level.
“I believe the strongest policies are shaped by the voices of those doing the real work on the ground, and I look forward to continuing these conversations as we work toward a better Nyeri and a stronger Kenya,” he added.
The senatorial hopeful also visited Gatunganga village in Mathira constituency, where he met with residents and listened to their ideas on improving livelihoods through local initiatives and personal development projects.
He said the determination shown by residents undertaking grassroots initiatives demonstrates the potential that exists within communities when given the right support.
“These initiatives reflect the collective determination of our people, and they remind us that good policy must support, not stand in the way of such progress,” Mararo said.
Mararo is seeking to intensify his grassroots engagements as he seeks to build support ahead of the upcoming senatorial contest during next year’s General Election.