Eighty-four youths from Kiru Ward will be sponsored under the local Ward Development Fund to train in various technical courses.
The Ward MCA Morris Thuku says the 84 were among the first cohort of youth who were recruited into the Murang’a Youth Service last year and served in various community activities for a period of two months.
Thuku explained that each of the recruited youths will be required to pay only Sh. 2,000 per month while every other expenses will be covered under the Fund.
Speaking at Mananga Primary School, the MCA said the initiative is expected to give the youth technical skills for employment in the technical fields or become self-employed.
The youths are slated to join Wanjohi Vocational Training Centre for various courses including tilling, painting, hairdressing and beauty, plumbing, welding and electrical installation among others.
Thuku, who is also the local County Assembly Chief Whip lauded the Murang’a Youth Programme which was initiated by Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s administration last year, saying it has resulted in a section of youth stopping alcoholism and drug abuse.
The first cohort of Murang’a Youth Service which was launched in October last year, enlisted 1,050 young people who were engaged in various activities including maintaining cleanliness in all the 144 trading centres in the County.
“The second cohort of 1,050 youths was recruited two weeks ago, 30 per Ward leaving behind hundreds of others who were interested to join the programme. While undertaking the community work, every youth receives a wage of Sh. 500 per day, paid by the County Government,” said Thuku.
Meanwhile, Thuku said he has joined hands with other local leaders in his Ward to ensure all candidates who sat KCPE last year join secondary schools.
He revealed some learners in Kiru and neighbouring areas are yet to join secondary schools due various challenges but reported that as leaders, they are trying to sort out the difficulties and ensure the students are enrolled in secondary schools.
“Together with other local leaders so far we have managed to take at least four students to secondary schools,” said the MCA.
By Bernard Munyao
