NGPU February 22, 2024

County Collaborates with Safaricom and USAID to Empower Youth

Written by James M Alumera and Nyasimi Dawson

The County Government of Nakuru in collaboration with Safaricom and USAID is set to empower one hundred youths from five youth groups across the county through the Kenya Small Business Development Centers (KSBDC) program.

The Kenya Small Business Development Centers is a USAID program with a mandate to champion both public and private-sector-led development to enable SMEs to participate fully in the economy and create jobs.

During the meeting with USAID and Safaricom representatives at the County headquarters, the Chief Officer for Youth, Sports, Talent, and Resource Mobilization Pastor Alex Maina, assured a supportive platform for the program as this initiative aligns with the Governor’s agenda for youth leadership, governance, and dynamics training.

Speaking at the event James Mbaabu, a representative of Safaricom, said that for the groups to benefit they should undergo training and get legal documentation to ensure that there are no issues later on. Dorcas Njeri, KSBDC, spoke about the groups having long-term solutions to their economic empowerment programs.

Felix Mburu, a representative of Safaricom, championed exposing young people to opportunities which can empower them fully to sustain them in their daily activities. Also at the event was a KSBDC official, George Makau, who spoke about mentorship for the group leaders due to the fact they shall be handling finances. This would help curb conflicts among group members.

The empowerment will help the youth be open to more economic ideas instead of relying on employment which has been an issue in the recent past.