Young people in the country have been challenged to take up various opportunities offered by the government in order to better their future.
Speaking during a youth engagement forum at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County, Government Spokesman Colonel (Retired) Cyrus Oguna said there were many opportunities being offered by various government departments which, if utilised fully, could benefit the majority of the young people in the country.
“We have many opportunities offered by the Kenyan government tailor-made for our young people and we are urging them to take them up so they can benefit in shaping up their future,” said Mr Oguna.
He cited the 3000 internship slots being offered by the Public Service Commission for young graduates saying the programme could greatly prepare fresh graduates in terms of their careers and could even lead to their absorption into permanent jobs in the public service.
“The annual internship programme is very crucial for the fresh graduates since they earn at least Sh25,000 and can eventually lead to employment in future depending on the skills demonstrated by the interns,” said Oguna.
He also called on form four and class eight leavers to take advantage of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions which have been revamped to new standards to learn skills that could later earn them a decent living.
“The Kenyan government has realised the importance of TVETs in terms of skills development and as a result set aside funds to sponsor young people to these institutions.
“It is therefore paramount for the youth of this country to grab the chances available to make their future bright,” Mr Oguna said.
He also cited the various funds offered by the government to empower young entrepreneurs including the Uwezo fund, Youth fund, among others which he said were also very crucial in empowering young people to grow their businesses through low or no interest funds.
“These and others are the many opportunities that we are calling on our young people to take advantage of and stop singing the usual chorus of unemployment,” he said.
By Dickson Mwiti
