The Murang’a county government has issued out KSh 15,000 each to over 700 youths to start small businesses. These beneficiaries were from the Murang’a Youth Service program that was initiated in October last year.
Overview of the Program
Under the KSh 115 million program, youths clean urban centers for a period of three months, with each earning a daily stipend of KSh 400. Out of this, KSh 100 is sent to their parents as a way of motivating and supporting the youths. After the cleaning work, the youths are enrolled in local vocational institutions for short technical courses at the sponsorship of the county administration. Each graduate will receive KSh 15,000 as startup capital.
Graduation Ceremony
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and his deputy Stephen Munania, on July 27, 2024, at Ihura Stadium, handed startup funds to the beneficiaries. Governor Kang’ata underscored the role of the programme in creating jobs, given the wage bill is quite high at county levels, thus direct employment is not possible. “This programme ensures we provide job opportunities for youths,” he said.
Impact and Future Plans
The program targets to uplift hygiene in the county while providing employment opportunities to the engaged youths, approximately numbering 3,000. Indeed, graduates are expected to have obtained National Industrial Training Authority certification by September, making them highly employable.
Governor Kang’ata advised that the funds should be used in setting up businesses that can help improve their living standards. He also declared a tax waiver for the beneficiaries to support their business ventures. “We are happy that with this program, money is circulating in the grassroots, and we are looking for more ways to create jobs for youths,” he said.
Success Stories
One of the beneficiaries, Jane Muthoni of Karung’e village in Mathioya sub-county, now owns a hairdressing shop and is grateful for the support given to her. “I have always aspired to be self-employed but could not due to financial constraints. The hairdressing course I undertook will now enable me to actualize my dream of operating a hairdressing business,” she explained.
The Murang’a Youth Service program represents holistic empowerment of youth by the amalgamation of immediate employment, skill training, and provision for startup capital to engender sustainable livelihoods.