More than 1,300 young people in Buuri Constituency have graduated from the Ujuzi Mashinani Programme, a government-backed initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment through vocational training and enterprise support.
The programme, implemented by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) in partnership with Buuri MP, Mugambi Rindikiri, trained 1,320 beneficiaries over three months in business and technical skills at local Technical and Vocational Colleges.
In a bid to ensure immediate transition into self-employment, 40 youth enterprise groups were equipped with startup toolkits including sewing machines, salon kits, welding equipment, electrical tools, vehicle diagnostic machines, and mobile food vending units.
Beneficiaries welcomed the support, saying it would help them overcome barriers that have long hindered skilled youth from starting businesses.
Edwin Kathunkumi, one of the graduates, said the equipment would enable them to establish enterprises and improve their livelihoods.
Sharon Nkirote added that the training had prepared them to manage their businesses effectively, noting that access to tools was often the missing link for many young entrepreneurs.
The event was presided over by Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi, who represented the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.
Kilemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling youth empowerment initiatives, citing ongoing projects such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which aims to support over 121,000 youth, and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project, which focuses on strengthening value chains.
He stressed the importance of aligning youth skilling with market opportunities to drive productivity and job creation.
Micro Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) Director General Henry Rithaa, emphasized that training alone is not enough to address unemployment.
He said access to capital and equipment is critical to turning skills into livelihoods.
“More than 3,700 youth in Meru have already benefited from startup capital support, but challenges such as limited market access and sustainability continue to affect long-term success. We will be addressing this as an authority to ensure the young people are fully empowered,” said Mr Rithaa.
Buuri MP Rindikiri said the programme is designed to ensure the constituency has a steady supply of skilled workers, including masons, carpenters, electricians, and chefs capable of establishing bakeries and confectioneries.
“We want to ensure job creation for our people by equipping youth with both skills and tools,” he said.
He also announced the kickoff of Cohort three of this programme which will include 2,500 young people from the constituency.
By Dickson Mwiti
