At least 93 youth and women in Makueni have benefited from various tools of trade from the county government.
The items include Sewing machines, Hairdressing and salon equipment, and professional high-pressure car wash machines, each accompanied by 1,500-gallon capacity water tanks.
Others include Mechanical, carpentry and plumbing tool kits, welding and masonry equipment.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior said the startup kits will empower the youth to start and run a business to generate an income.
He spoke on Wednesday while issuing the items at the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Centre in Wote.
“The 93 youth we are giving startup kits today were trained for two months and acquired industrial skills to start and run businesses, “said Kilonzo.
He said his administration is committed to ensuring a good working environment for youth, women and PWD to thrive in business.
“Apart from the items you will receive today, the county is going to provide you with a business licence in order to run your business immediately,” added Kilonzo.
He added that his administration will monitor the beneficiaries progress in all business categories to access market trends in the county.
County Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Gender, Youth, Sports and Children, Nicholas Nzioka, said the beneficiaries were also attached to established craftsmen for on-the-job training to equip them with entrepreneurial skills.
“The beneficiaries were not only learning how to operate the tools and equipment, but they were also attached to their mentors, including carpenters, masons and hairstylists, to learn how to manage the business,” noted Nzioka.
The youth and women come from the 30 wards across the county.
By Ronald Rono
