Homa Bay Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga, has initiated a youth empowerment programme targeting boda boda groups through donation of motorbikes.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the initiative in Mawego in Karachuonyo Constituency, Wanga said the programme’s objective is to uplift socioeconomic status of youth groups across the County.
She said her office- the National Government Affirmative Action Funds (NGAAF) has allocated money to buy a motorbike for selected registered groups in each ward across the County.
Wanga who was accompanied by NGAAF Chairperson, Caroline Owidhi and nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Sophie Koweje, noted that donating motorbikes would boost income-generating activities for the groups.
“There’s hope that a motorbike would boost the income of the beneficiaries. They will do boda boda besides their daily businesses in their group,” Wanga said.
She said they expect each member in a group to also have a way of supporting their families.
The first motorbike was bought at a cost of Sh99,500 and was donated to Mawego boda boda self-help group in Karachuonyo Constituency.
Wanga said she is hopeful the move would generate employment to youths. “Quite a number of trained youths don’t have motorbike to do business but since we’ve donated to them, we’re convinced this will give them a kick-start,” she added.
Wanga said her office has also allocated funds this year to support the training of more than 200 students in technical and vocational training institutions (TVET).
She said the students would be enrolled in various technical training institutions through National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
She said the beneficiaries under the vocational training program will pursue courses such as welding, masonry, tailoring, motorcycle repair, solar PV installation, textile making among others.
“We want to uplift the economy of our people as the students begin their courses soon,” she said.
The Woman Representative also took the opportunity to donate umbrellas to hundreds of women and Jua kali artisans at various markets in Karachuonyo Constituency.
The umbrellas were given in markets that include Mawego, Nyakwere, Karabondi, Kajieyi, Apida, Rambira and Lida.
“The small scale business traders should operate in conducive atmosphere to enable them continue with their business as we plan to build them market stalls,” she added.
By Davis Langat and Naomi Wadede.
