The Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi has cited Poverty, unemployment and apathy as some of the major challenges facing the youth in the country.
Murungi said many youth yield to pressure arising from lack of employment and a rewarding economic activity hence easily being lured into evils such as drug abuse and criminal activities.
Speaking during the first graduation ceremony of Meru Youth Service (MYS) over the weekend at Meru National Polytechnic, Kiraitu said his government initiated the programme as a means of alleviating problem of youth desperation arising from unemployment.
He said MYS was a dream come true and will continue forever in a move to empower youth in the region.
“This is a small step towards trying to find a lasting solution to the national problem of youth unemployment and resultant poverty,” said the Governor.
Over 900 recruits were conferred with certificates in different fields of specialisation after undergoing vocational
trainings at the Meru National Polytechnic.
Kiraitu called on organisations within the region to partner with the county government in ensuring that the graduands secure positions of work.
Meanwhile, employers both in public and private sectors have been urged to consider giving priority to the trained youth during their recruitment drives.
The Imenti North DCC, Isaac Masinde said the national government was considering giving tenders to youth challenging young people to form groups and also register companies so that they can benefit.
He said there were so many job opportunities calling on the youth to show up and grab the chances instead of waiting for them in homes.
“We have a Sh.4 million construction project for the Assistant County Commissioner’s Office which is ongoing at Gachanga of which we gave the contract to a youngman below 35 years of age. We call upon young people to compete for such tenders that are available in government and the private sectors,” he urged.
Masinde further appealed to youth to look for support from Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund among other empowerment kitties.
The Meru University of Science and Technology, Vice Chancellor, Romanus Odhiambo announced that the institution will consider engaging five of the MYS graduands.
By Richard Muhambe
