Makueni County government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the youth to boost their businesses, area Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has said.
The Governor directed the department of youth affairs in the County Government to support the youths by purchasing tools that will enable different youth categories to perform their work, even as the County Government strives to ensure that they get 30% of county tender awards and climate change initiatives.
“In the budget you are preparing, find a kitty to buy these youths the machines to work with, like knitting and welding machines, among others,” said Mutula on Monday during the Makueni youth dialogue and mentorship programme at Wote Centre.
At least 480 youths from the 30 wards participated in the dialogue that was also attended by Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports and Children Nicholas Nzioka, accompanied by other county officials.
The county will organise the youths to offer them entrepreneurship skills and besides giving them skills, equip them in their daily endeavours to fend for themselves and their families.
He disclosed that at least five youths who participated in Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Tharaka Nithi County games have secured a job opportunity to play for different organisations, including Kenya Prisons and Posta Corporation football teams.
“The Department of Youth should conduct a talent show competition in areas of comedy, drama, music, and arts to give our youths an opportunity to showcase their ability and may get selected for a job opportunity by organisations,” added Mutula.
“We need to develop a database in the county for these young people, capturing their Curriculum Vitae and talents for easy job placements and referrals,” he added.
By Ronald Rono
