The youth constitute about 70 per cent of the country’s population and the government is committed to empowering them become self-reliant and ultimate job creators, instead of being just consumers.
Subsequently, ICT, Innovation and youth affairs CS Joe Mucheru has said his ministry has sensitized thousands of youths on how to earn from digital and digitally enabled jobs through the Ajira Digital program, which delivers work readiness training, mentorship and linkage to jobs as well as stimulating job creation.
For instance, Mucheru said over 45,000 youths have received training and internship from Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP) and over 75 per cent of this group have secured employment, while another 750 youth have benefited from Sh1.3 billion, under the business plan competition.
“I want to inform the youths across the country that, in the next one-week KYEOP will disburse over Sh172 million to 348 youths across the country as grant,” he said, adding that the youth agenda remains a top priority for the government’s implementation of vision 2030.
The CS was speaking at the Jumuia Conference Centre in Limuru Sub County Monday, during the launch of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Youth Fragility report and Youth Policy survey.
Over 150 youths from across the 47 counties attended the 64th General assembly conference dubbed, ‘wholesome youth for a wholesome society,’ organised by the church organization.
Mucheru said he had tasked his Ministry to oversee the implementation of the conference proposals in alignment with the 2019 Youth Policy.
The CS urged the youth countrywide to take advantage of their numbers and seek elective seats during the 2022 general elections. He said the church should groom God fearing youth to fill such positions.
He also stated that the National Youth Council will be holding their elections to elect 580 constituency delegates consisting of a male and a female who will in turn elect 16 National Youth Council Members.
At the same time, the CS called upon the church to remain the pillar of truth and shun false prophets who are out targeting the youth, thinking they are gullible and easy to manipulate.
Mucheru particularly cautioned churches and the youth to be wary of politicians using the pulpit as a bait to solicit for votes and further their political interests ahead of 2022.
On his part, the NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui encouraged community members, church structures and political institutions to embrace and accord the youth opportunities to rise to leadership positions.
“It has often been said the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. No you are not, you are today’s leaders, your time is now,” noted Rev. Kinyanjui.
By Grace Naishoo
