Murang’a County celebrated a significant milestone as 726 trainees graduated from the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) program in a ceremony held at Kimorori Grounds. The initiative, launched to tackle youth unemployment, has so far benefited over 5,600 young people by equipping them with essential skills and financial support for economic independence.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who presided over the graduation, credited his colleague, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, for inspiring several of his key development projects. He acknowledged that Waiguru’s transformational leadership in Kirinyaga had played a pivotal role in shaping some of Murang’a’s infrastructure and social programs.
“I have gotten a lot of inspiration from Governor Waiguru as far as development is concerned. She has built a state-of-the-art medical complex at Kerugoya Level 5, and I applied the same idea here in Murang’a by building a new medical facility,” Kang’ata said during the event.
He further highlighted how Kirinyaga’s urban development projects influenced his approach to infrastructure in Murang’a. “In our smart city program, we initially tarmacked roads in towns such as Kenol, Maragua, Kabati, and Gatura, but now we are installing cabro blocks, an idea I borrowed from Kagio and other towns in Kirinyaga. We don’t have a monopoly on ideas; we all learn and borrow great ideas from each other, and I can tell you, Governor Waiguru has done a good job. You are an inspiration, and you are hardworking,” he added.
Governor Waiguru, in turn, lauded Kang’ata’s MYS initiative, emphasizing its transformative impact on Murang’a County. She noted that the program stands out because of its holistic approach, which benefits both the youth and their families financially.
“This initiative by Governor Kang’ata is a game-changer in addressing the high youth unemployment rate in Kenya. It is proof that devolution works when leaders prioritize the right programs,” Waiguru remarked.
She emphasized the importance of counties learning from each other’s successes to drive development and improve the livelihoods of their residents. The MYS program’s success underscores the potential of well-executed county-led initiatives in addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
