The National Government is committed to empower the youth financially through programmes such as Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Programmes (KYEOP), Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), Ajira Digital Youth Empowerment Programme (ADYEP) And Presidential Digital Talent Development Youth Programme.
Government Spokesman Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna said when he held a meeting with the beneficiaries of the women enterprise fund, Kenya Youth Employment And Opportunity Project, Public Service Internship Programme and Presidential Digital Talent Programme at the Government Media Centre.
Oguna said towards this end and through the Mbele na biz program, the government was able to fund young people who came up with creative business ideas.
“The government gave out Sh3.6 million to every individual who had creative ideas. Therefore the government has sufficient money for everyone. All you need is to come up with good ideas and you will be funded,” assured Oguna.
He further urged the youth to come out and apply for loans provided under various government programmes that he stressed aimed at economically empowering the vulnerable groups.
“Many of these programs are not being fully exploited because our young brothers and sisters are not willing to be persistent while pursuing for these funds. They are also unwilling to visit respective County Commissioner’s offices to apply for funding,” he regretted.
“Women enterprise fund is able to train and provide loans and at the same time get market for you. When you have a product do not be concerned about how you are going to market your products. If you approach Women Enterprise fund you will benefit from it. They have a lot of products including Nonperforming Loans (NPL) which credits up to 70 percent capital to struggling businesses,” he added.
Michael Mulinge one of the beneficiaries of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Internship Program said that the empowerment programs helped change their lives for the better by giving them an opportunity to work and gain experience as well as getting a monthly stipend which some are using to start small businesses.
The beneficiaries urged Kenyans to have a positive attitude towards government empowerment programmes and to take opportunities whenever given since the process was free and fair.
By Wambui Muthoni and Rita Muthoni
