Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mr. Joe Mucheru has encouraged young people to develop innovative ideas that will help them shape their future lives through financial empowerment.
The CS who was the Chief Guest during the launch of National Youth Service Strategic Plan 2019-2023 at NYS Headquarters, in Ruaraka, Nairobi called on the youth to develop market friendly innovations, reiterating government’s commitment to support such initiatives.
Mucheru noted that technology has now changed how business is done worldwide and advised youths to take advantage of the Covid-19 situation to reposition themselves virtually with ideas that are easily marketable and profitable.
The CS affirmed that the government is committed to uplift lives of young people across the country saying various programmes such as the Ajira Programme as well as resources are some of the mechanisms that have been put in place to support development of innovative ideas.
“The government is committed to helping young people secure employment and be empowered. All they need to do is to show interest and come up with ideas,” he added.
The CS noted that many more opportunities are presenting, key is the actualization of the programme to digitize Judiciary records as well as the innovation hubs Countrywide.
According to Mucheru, the government has also established enabling policies and frameworks, which encourage the involvement of the youth who form the vast majority, to make ICT more accessible and affordable.
He lauded an NYS student who produced an electrical handcart “mkokoteni” after 5 years of trying as well as assisted in designing a modern tuk tuk innovated at the institution, noting that the youth should not give up on their dreams.
Present was Public Service Cabinet Secretary Prof .Margaret Kobia who lauded the NYS Council for developing the plan that will inform how it will operate and called for NYS Director General Matilda Sakwa to ensure full implementation of the strategic plan.
“Drafting the plan is only 10 percent. It entirely relies on the 90 per cent through its implementation to ensure that all that is planned is accomplished. That determines its success,” Kobia said.
Kobia also decried the increase of Gender Based Violence during this Covid-19 pandemic and called on relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate preventive efforts are made to reduce the rate.
“It’s not about how many people are affected by this. It’s about that one girl who falls pregnant and her future curtailed by her situation,” said the CS who added that her ministry is keen in ensuring that solutions are found urgently.
Present was Public Service Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh and other dignitaries from Uwezo Fund, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) who gave funds and items including face masks and sanitizers to help in the fight against Covid-19.
United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Representative Dr Ademola Olajide as well as the NYS Council Chairman Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki also graced the launch.
By Alice Gworo
