The government spokesperson Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna has encouraged youths to empower themselves with skills that will enable them realize their full potential and in turn drive the attainment of development objectives set out in Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Oguna said Kenya has greatly focused on youth empowerment to strengthen its economic base adding, “The government’s main objective is to empower the youth in order to nurture a value driven generation of patriotic youth with a heart for volunteerism and transformative leadership.”
Addressing a youth forum in Maara sub-county, Tharaka Nithi County after officially launching the Kenya youth policy dissemination program which is meant to educate the youth about Kenya Youth Development Policy (KYDP 2019), Oguna encouraged the young generation to seek self-employment owing to slim job opportunities.
He added that the policy is keen on the creation of sustainable decent jobs and income generating activities for all youth especially those at the grassroots through the National Government administration and County Government structures.
He advised the youth to apply for training opportunities at The Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Projects (KYEOP) to learn skills on how to manage funds granted by the government effectively.
The spokesperson faulted those saying Uwezo fund loans were not enough saying that the money was seed capital and if utilized well could empower the beneficiaries’ economically as intended.
He also cautioned those who defaulted the loans to repay for others to benefit.
Oguna further encouraged the youth to exploit the opportunities at Ajira digital platform saying doing so would sharpen their digital skills and leverage their natural affinity to technology which is key in helping the nation to develop.
“Ajira digital is the new frontier. It will enable you to identify opportunities outside the country. You can be working in Kenya but your employer is abroad. It promotes skills and talent because it provides a platform to sell yourself to potential employers,” he said.
The government spokesperson noted that the state had allocated 30 percent of Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) tenders to empower youth, women and the disabled.
He further challenged the youth to visit government offices to be advised on how to benefit from various funds.
By Sharon Gitau
