The Murang’a County government has recruited a fresh batch of young people into the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) programme, reaffirming its commitment to equipping youth with practical skills and economic opportunities aimed at reducing unemployment.
The recruitment exercise for the ninth cohort of the programme was conducted on Saturday across all the 35 wards in the county, attracting hundreds of young people eager to secure a place in the transformative initiative.
A total of 30 beneficiaries were selected from each ward through a balloting process, bringing the number of new recruits to 1,050 across the county.
Speaking during the exercise, Murang’a County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Manoah Gachucha said the recruitment process was carried out successfully and witnessed an overwhelming turnout of applicants at designated recruitment centres.
He noted that the exercise was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner by officials from the Department of Youth and Sports to ensure that all eligible applicants had an equal chance of being selected.
“The turnout was impressive across all wards, demonstrating the growing interest among young people in programmes that provide skills development and employment opportunity.
“We ensured that the recruitment process remained transparent and accessible to all qualified applicants,” said Gachucha.
The newly recruited beneficiaries will begin their journey with two months of community service in their respective localities.
During this period, they will participate in activities aimed at improving public spaces while gaining valuable work experience and discipline.
After completing the community service phase, the recruits will proceed to three months of fully sponsored vocational training in courses of their choice.
The training is expected to equip them with practical skills that can enable them to secure employment or establish their own businesses.
The county government will also facilitate the beneficiaries’ National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Grade III examinations, allowing them to earn nationally recognized certifications that can enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
Gachucha said the programme goes beyond training by providing support to graduates as they transition into entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Upon successful completion of the programme, each beneficiary will receive a business start-up grant of Sh15,000 to help them launch income-generating activities.
They will also be issued with a one-year tax exemption certificate, a move aimed at easing the burden on young entrepreneurs during the early stages of their businesses.
The CECM observed that the Murang’a Youth Service has continued to play a significant role in addressing youth unemployment since its establishment.
He noted that the initiative has already recruited and empowered more than 8,000 young people through eight previous cohorts.
According to Gachucha, the programme has provided thousands of youth with vocational skills, created opportunities for self-employment and enabled many beneficiaries to become economically independent.
Gachucha reiterated the county government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring that they are equipped with the tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
“The Murang’a Youth Service Programme remains one of the county’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives. Through skills training, mentorship and financial support, we are helping young people unlock their potential and become active contributors to the county’s development,” He said.
By Bernard Munyao
