Tessie Mudavadi, the spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, has emphasized the importance of leveraging online platforms for business, job creation, and wealth generation. Addressing a gathering in Nakuru during the launch of the Ushirika Wema initiative, Mudavadi encouraged young people to view social media and other digital platforms not just as tools for entertainment and information sharing but as avenues for creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.
The Ushirika Wema initiative, which brought together over 1,000 young entrepreneurs from various sectors, aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in commerce and innovation. Participants, who were drawn from diverse industries including manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), transport, and hospitality, were urged to embrace technology and innovation as critical drivers for their entrepreneurial success.
Mudavadi highlighted that the youth are crucial players in Kenya’s vision of becoming a middle-income economy by 2030. She underscored the potential of social media and other online platforms in expanding markets for locally produced skills and products, thus enabling young entrepreneurs to tap into a wider customer base and enhance their income streams. By maximizing the use of digital tools, youth can effectively market their products, network with potential clients, and scale up their businesses beyond local boundaries.
“Social media and other online platforms, while popularly used for social interactions, also present unique opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs to develop and expand markets for their products,” Mudavadi stated. She stressed that with the right skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, young people can transform these platforms into powerful business tools that can drive economic growth.
Stephen Kuria, Nakuru County’s Executive Committee Member for Trade, Cooperatives, and Tourism, echoed Mudavadi’s sentiments and urged young entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the trading facilities established by the County Government. He noted that the county has made significant investments in infrastructure to support youth and women in business, including the allocation of Ksh.100 million in the current financial year to fund startups.
Kuria emphasized the importance of utilizing the available resources and tax breaks offered by the county to improve livelihoods. He called on the youth to leverage the county’s support to overcome the challenges of starting and scaling businesses. “We have created a conducive environment for business, and it’s now upon the youth to seize these opportunities. The government is committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey, but you must be proactive in utilizing these resources,” Kuria remarked.
The Ushirika Wema initiative also highlighted the role of networking in business success. Mudavadi and other speakers urged the participants to actively engage with one another, share experiences, and build strategic partnerships that can help them grow their businesses. Networking, combined with the strategic use of digital platforms, can significantly boost the visibility and reach of their enterprises.
With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in Kenya, initiatives like Ushirika Wema are vital in equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to succeed in today’s digital economy. The emphasis on digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills aligns with the national agenda of economic empowerment and job creation.
As Kenya strives towards achieving its Vision 2030 goals, the involvement of the youth in commerce, innovation, and technology will be pivotal. By embracing online platforms and leveraging the support provided by the government, young entrepreneurs can play a critical role in driving the country’s economic transformation. Mudavadi’s call to action serves as a timely reminder that the future of Kenya’s economy lies in the hands of its youth, and the time to act is now.
