On Sunday, Murang’a County marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the second cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS). The ceremony, held at the Murang’a Level 5 Hospital New Ward, was presided over by Governor Irungu Kang’ata and attracted a large crowd, underscoring the growing impact of the program in the region. This event not only celebrated the achievements of 700 young individuals who completed their studies in youth polytechnics within the county but also highlighted the broader vision of the county government to drive economic growth and job creation through targeted youth empowerment initiatives.
The Murang’a Youth Service, a flagship program of the county government, has been instrumental in addressing unemployment among the youth in the region. Since its inception, more than 4,000 youths have been recruited through a transparent balloting process, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants. The program’s approach is multifaceted, combining training, practical experience, and financial support to equip the participants with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Each graduate of the MYS was awarded Ksh.15,000 in start-up capital, a significant boost that allows them to kickstart their businesses. This financial support, along with a one-year waiver on county taxes, is designed to alleviate the initial financial burden and provide a solid foundation for the young entrepreneurs to build upon. Governor Kang’ata emphasized that the program’s goal is not just to create employees but to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, transforming them into employers who will contribute to the county’s economic growth.
In his address during the ceremony, Governor Kang’ata underscored the importance of the MYS in spurring Murang’a’s economy. “Our aim is to create jobs, spur economic growth, and empower our youth to take control of their future,” he stated. “We are investing in these young people because we believe in their potential to drive change and innovation in our county.” The governor also pointed out that the program’s focus is not only on providing skills but also on instilling a sense of responsibility and leadership among the youth, preparing them to lead in various sectors including business, innovation, and community service.
The Murang’a Youth Service is structured to be more than just a vocational training program. It offers participants daily stipends of Ksh.400 for community service activities such as town clean-ups and infrastructure development projects. A portion of this stipend, Ksh.100, is directly remitted to the parents of the youth, providing additional support to families. This approach not only ensures active community participation but also promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth towards their community’s development.
To further support the top-performing graduates from the first cohort, Governor Kang’ata announced internship opportunities, particularly for those who attained first-class honours in their National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) exams. This ensures that the most promising talents receive mentorship and hands-on experience in their respective fields, increasing their employability and business acumen. The internship program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing real-world insights that are crucial for the graduates’ future success.
The Murang’a Youth Service is set to continue its impact with an ongoing recruitment drive, ensuring that more youth have access to opportunities that will prepare them for the workforce and entrepreneurship. Governor Kang’ata’s vision for the MYS is clear: to create a sustainable platform that not only empowers young people economically but also fosters a culture of innovation and self-reliance in Murang’a. By investing in the youth, the county government is laying the groundwork for a prosperous future, where the next generation can lead and drive change in their communities.
Through programs like the Murang’a Youth Service, the county government under Governor Kang’ata is demonstrating a proactive approach to youth empowerment, setting a model that other counties in Kenya can emulate. By providing the youth with the necessary tools, support, and opportunities, Murang’a is positioning itself as a leader in driving development through human capital investment. The second cohort’s graduation is a testament to the success of this initiative and a hopeful sign of more to come as the county continues to invest in its youth’s potential.
