Some 109 youth groups in Nyandarua County have benefited from empowerment equipment worth Sh23 million to help them start income generating activities.
According to Governor Francis Kimemia the move will see the benefiting youth become job creators thus solving the challenge of unemployment.
Kimemia noted that the economic impact of Covid-19 has made the job market more challenging for the youth globally and his county had not been spared, hence the need to go for superb innovations that will act as a cushion in the dwindling job market.
“We are giving this equipment to support and motivate the youth in our county who have skills and knowledge but are unable to find jobs. This equipment will enable them to start their own businesses and create employment for others,” said the governor.
Speaking while issuing the equipment in an event to mark the International Youth Day at Ol Kalou Thursday, Kimemia said the development of any society was pegged on the youth who are a critical pillar in the provision of manpower and innovation.
He said that supporting youth and more specifically those in already groups will see the rate of crime and drug use among young people go down as they will be engaged in income generating activities.
“We have seen recent cases of suicide and drug abuse among the youth go up which is at times attributed to harsh economic times. We believe by at least keeping them busy will reduce the vices,” he said.
The governor said that his administration will support those groups who have benefitted from the equipment with short business skills to help them keep their project active and helpful.
On his part, Nyandarua County Commissioner Mr. Benson Leparmorijo said the national government had continued to support the youth through Kazi Mtaani that has since cushioned many of them from the harsh economic times brought about by Covid-19.
“The government has advertised positions of clerical officers, administrative assistants and support staff and we are appealing to the youths to go for these jobs,” he said, noting that Nyandarua had 32 slots for those jobs.
Youth who benefitted from the equipment welcomed the move saying it had been a challenge for them to buy such equipment noting it would come handy in helping them earn a living.
Among the equipment issued were motorbikes, incubators, computers, hair dries, Tuk-tuks, milk ATMS, fuel pump, public address equipment and cameras among others.
By Barton Mubea
