Nairobi — A Cabinet minister yesterday sought amendment of electoral laws to allow the youth contest the Presidency.

Gender, Sports and Youth minister Ochillo Ayacko said it was a violation of the youth's rights to allow them vote at 18 years and deny them a chance to stand for president until they are 35-years- old.

Ayacko was speaking when he opened a youth conference on good governance at Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa.

National Heritage minister Najib Balala attended the conference organised by the Citizens Forum Trust.

Other speakers included Ford Foundation regional representative Prof Tade Aina and University of Nairobi lecturer, Prof Peter Wanyande.

"The underlying principle should be those eligible to vote be voted for age should not limit them," Ayacko said. Ayacko said his ministry would soon elevate the youth division into a full department so the youth agenda gets sufficient funding.

"It is important for this country to invest sufficiently in the youth. Any country which does not invest in its youth has no future," Ayacko said.

He said the ministry will establish a National Youth Council by 2008 to serve as the umbrella body for all youth organizations.

Ayacko asked the youth "to repackage themselves as politicians acceptable to opinion leaders at the grassroots".

He warned the youths that the young age did not give them any advantage over the old guard in seeking leadership positions and therefore, they must compete instead of taking the back seats.