The Vihiga National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in conjunction with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has sensitized and empowered the youth economically in the count.
The county women representative Beatrice Adagala has appealed to the young people to take advantage of the National Youths Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project under MSEA, which is offering grants worth Sh25,000 to organized groups to expand or set up income generating activities.
Adagala stated that her office is liaising with MSEA to conduct training for the beneficiaries before they receive the funds, so as to ensure prudence in the operation of the chosen enterprises.
MSEA’s official Dr. Caroline Kaua pointed out that Medium Small Enterprises (Moses) have employed 16 million people in the country, hence they were significant contributors to the economy.
She added that the project runs for five years from 2024-2029 and they will be making follow ups on the beneficiaries, where those who flourish will be further boosted for expansion, so that they also employ more youths.
The Kenya Jobs and Economic Transportation (KJET) project, has in the same vein, been designed to enable the people to have access to capital for engaging in SMEs and agribusiness initiatives.
The Vihiga county Director for SMEA Philip Maobe, challenged the locals to make use of the Constituency Industrial Development Centres (CIDCs) as spaces for operating their businesses at minimal cost.
He lamented that the four completed CIDCs are lying unutilized in Luanda, Hamisi, Sabatia and Vihiga sub counties.
The area Acting County Commissioner (CC) Florence Sitawa also underscored the need for the young people to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit for their socioeconomic progress.
The CC stated that when the people are given means of livelihood, the security situation in the area will definitely improve.
She noted that the national government has availed a number of kitties including Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Youth Enterprise Development Fudlnd(UEDF), and Uwezo Fund among others, aimed at realizing equitable growth and prosperity.
During the function, seven youth groups benefitted by receiving sewing machines, leather sewing machines, welding machine, car washing machine, saloon apparatus and mechanic tools.
By Sammy Mwibanda
