Over 1,000 young men and women in Muranga County over the weekend were commissioned after attaining elaborate community service skills imparted under the Muranga Youth Service initiative.
Under this programme, a total of about 6,300 youth have graduated since the inception of the programme three years ago.
The colourful ceremony held on July 13, 2025, at the Murang’a Level 5 Hospital grounds ushered the fourth cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) into community service.
The well-attended event was presided over by Governor Irungu Kang’ata and attended by a cross-section of several leaders, including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Peter Salasya, Babu Owino, Mark Mwenje, and media personality and Bishop Ben Kiengei of Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM).
Governor Kang’ata praised the youth for their discipline and commitment, noting that the programme aims to offer economic empowerment, skills development, and moral grounding to the local youth.
“This is more than just a graduation. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. You now have the tools to build your dreams with a one-year tax holiday and a solid start-up package.” The governor said.
Launched in 2022, the MYS programme engages youth in cleaning urban centres, planting trees, and participating in community development projects before enrolling them for vocational training in polytechnics across the county.
Recruited through a transparent balloting process, participants earn a daily wage of Sh400—Sh300 goes directly to the youth, while Sh100 is sent to a parent or guardian, promoting a shared empowerment model.
“We want our youth to earn, save, and have a support system at home. By involving parents, we’re driving transformation at the family level,” Governor Kang’ata asserted.
MP Peter Salasya, a champion of youth empowerment in his own constituency, commended Murang’a County for integrating NITA-accredited training into MYS.
“What Murang’a is doing should be a national model. You’re not just giving them hope; you’re giving them real tools to succeed,” he stated.
Babu Owino encouraged the graduates to use their resources wisely and build sustainable ventures, urging that the programme be replicated across the country.
“You are no longer jobless. You are skilled, empowered, and ready. Let this be the beginning of your economic revolution,” he told the youth.
Bishop Ben Kiengei applauded the county government for restoring dignity to thousands of families through the MYS programme.
“When you invest in the youth, you build a future. The governor is doing God’s work by placing young people at the centre of county development.” He said.
Governor Kang’ata also announced that future MYS cohorts will benefit from enhanced training and pledged to increase the number of admissions in the coming year.
Graduates expressed their gratitude for the opportunity with Evans Kamau from Kandara, saying, “I plan to use the Sh15,000 to start a car wash business. I never imagined I’d get this kind of support.”
He encouraged fellow graduates to make wise use of the opportunity so it can have a lasting impact on their lives.
Each graduate received a Sh15,000 grant to help start small businesses and will enjoy a one-year tax holiday as they venture into entrepreneurship.
By Purity Mugo and Susan Muigai
