More Goodies For Youth In Next Financial Year

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru has called upon the youth to come out and apply for the funds channelled through Uwezo Fund saying the applications made were below the expectations.

Speaking at the Mt. Kenya University in Thika during a caucus with the students, the Cabinet Secretary said to further support entrepreneurial development, the government is providing access to affordable credit and business training to youth through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Uwezo Fund. 

She said the Youth Fund, continues to design innovative products to service the dynamic market represented by the youth.

"These centers have now made it very easy for the youth to access important services that will enable them pursue business opportunities, such as search and reservation of business names as well as obtaining certificates of good conduct.”

Waiguru said that the Government is committed to gradually end unemployment amongst the youth in society by providing and facilitating income generating opportunities that can afford the youth an opportunity to take pride in independently earning a living.

Minimum funds application requirements

She said her Ministry was concerned with how youth optimal utilization of their potential can be applied towards achieving social, economical and political goal.

Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo said MKU  has become an icon in the field of higher education and it is one of the largest and best universities in the region and beyond.

Last month, the  Uwezo Fund board was seeking to have its capacity increased so as to support more groups as demand for the money increases.

So far the Fund has disbursed Ksh 5.3 billion to 289 constituencies, except Kitui Rural which failed to meet all the requirements.

The fund was started with the aim of empowering women and youth countrywide.

At least 60 women and youth groups in Kibera benefitted from the fund after they were given cheques worth Ksh 6 million.

Around 120 groups applied for the fund but half failed to meet requirements, specifically training but can still apply again but after they meet the criteria.

The groups received cheques of Ksh 50,000 – 100,000.

Kibra has received the highest allocation in Nairobi County, of Ksh 16 million.

By Maureen Murimi