The Department of youth affairs, Uasin Gishu County, in partnership with other stakeholders is working to educate the youth on how well to maximize available opportunities in order to tackle the numerous challenges they face in their daily lives.
The County Executive for Youth and Sports, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo said her department-initiated sensitization programs featuring business professionals talking on business start-ups, government officers sensitizing on tenders for the youth and women as well as creating a forum for relevant agencies to enlighten the youth on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse.
The youthful segment is currently grappling with social problems such as unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse as well as uncertainties in their relationships, she added.
The clarion call is a change of mindset and capitalizing on available opportunities. As part of the campaign, the County Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), organized a training and sensitization event in Langas ward, where more than 100 youth participated.
The county Chief Officer for Youth Affairs Nahum Jelagat, challenged the youth to pull together transformative ideas and capitalize on available opportunities to better overcome hurdles in their lives.
Jelagat said the county has opportunities that youth need to pick, for instance the formation of groups to access government business loans as well as do business through the (Youth) Access to Government Procurement Opportunities, where least 30% of government tenders are reserved for women and youth.
On his part, Isaack Paspas, the regional coordinator of IYF, used the analogy of the Red Wood, the world’s tallest and oldest tree that he said does not have a prop root, but rather spread roots, an advantage that makes it withstand the strongest hurricanes.
He also used the analogy of one ox that can pull 200kg, and two oxen pulling double the load, as a way to sensitize on working as a group.
A youth officer from the county Bornes Melly observed that County programs like loans to groups and bursaries to get technical skills are meant to equip the youth with the necessary skills to start businesses or use their skills to earn their living.
“So, we hope you enroll in our vocational colleges and visit our offices to know more about available training funds from the county,” said Melly.
By Kiptanui Cherono
