Murang’a County has taken a significant step towards youth empowerment by providing over 700 young people with Sh15,000 each to start their small businesses. This initiative follows the successful completion of short technical courses in local vocational institutions, fully sponsored by the county government. The initiative is part of the Murang’a Youth Service programme, which commenced in October of the previous year.
The Murang’a Youth Service programme, with a budget of Sh115 million, engages youths in casual jobs to help clean urban centres across the county. Each participant receives a daily stipend of Sh400 for three months, with Sh100 allocated to their parents to encourage parental support and motivation. After the initial three months, the youths are enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for free courses. Upon completion, they receive startup funds to initiate their business ventures.
This comprehensive programme has not only improved the hygiene standards in the county but has also addressed the issue of youth unemployment. Prior to the programme, Murang’a County had only 200 sweepers tasked with maintaining cleanliness in shopping centres. The initiative has significantly bolstered this workforce, ensuring cleaner urban environments.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata highlighted the challenges posed by the county’s high wage bill, which stands at 46% of the total revenue, surpassing the 35% limit stipulated by the Public Finance Management Act. This financial constraint limits the county’s capacity to employ more people. However, the Youth Service programme provides a viable solution by creating temporary job opportunities and equipping youths with skills for self-employment.
During the graduation ceremony held at Ihura Stadium, Governor Kang’ata urged the graduates to utilize the startup capital wisely to create sustainable businesses that will improve their living standards. He also announced that the county administration would waive all taxes for the beneficiaries to support the growth of their new enterprises.
To date, approximately 3,000 youths have participated in the Murang’a Youth Service programme. The graduates are expected to receive certification from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) by September, enhancing their employability prospects. The governor emphasized the positive impact of the programme on the local economy, noting that it facilitates the circulation of money at the grassroots level.
Governor Kang’ata also shared insights on the extent of youth unemployment in the county, revealing that during the recruitment process, over 600 youths applied for only 30 available slots, underscoring the urgent need for job creation initiatives. He pointed out that paying the youths through bank accounts not only provides financial security but also enables them to access credit for business expansion.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Jane Muthoni from Karung’e village in Mathioya subcounty, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She shared her aspirations of running a hairdressing business, which had previously been hindered by financial constraints. “I have always aspired to be self-employed but I could not because of financial constraints,” Muthoni said, highlighting the transformative impact of the technical courses and the startup capital.
The Murang’a Youth Service programme exemplifies a holistic approach to youth empowerment, combining immediate employment, skill acquisition, and financial support. As the county administration explores additional avenues to create job opportunities for the youth, the programme stands as a testament to the potential of well-structured government initiatives in addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth at the community level.
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