Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has launched an ambitious youth empowerment and conservation initiative dubbed the Tupange Kesho Program in Kutus, Kirinyaga Central Constituency.
The programme aims to economically uplift young people across the county and position them as key players in leadership and development.
The programme is being implemented through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), a grant facility meant to support women, youth and persons with disabilities through direct funding for income-generating activities. Unlike loans, NGAAF grants do not require repayment, allowing beneficiaries to invest and grow without the burden of debt.
Under the initiative, Njeri has disbursed Sh10 million to various youth groups across Kirinyaga County, with individual groups receiving between Sh100,000 and Sh300,000, depending on their proposals and needs.
A major component of the programme includes Sh5.85 million set aside to sponsor 500 youths to fully enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions through the INNET Program, in partnership with Equity Bank.
In total, the initiative targets over 2,000 youths across all 20 wards in Kirinyaga County.
Speaking during the launch, Njeri said the initiative is meant to economically empower youth, reduce unemployment and curb dependency on political handouts.
“This programme is about giving young people dignity, skills and capital so they can stand on their own. It is time we move youth from handouts to empowerment,” she said.
Beyond financial support, the Woman Representative noted that the forum was also used to mentor and enlighten youth on leadership, urging them to register as voters and actively participate in shaping the future of Kirinyaga and the country at large.
She challenged young people not only to vote but also to vie for elective positions, saying real change can only happen when youth take up leadership roles.
Njeri further called on youth to form and register groups that can help them grow even without direct political support, while urging the national government to set aside more resources in the national budget specifically targeting youth empowerment.
“The youth must be prioritised during budget-making. Supporting young people directly is the most sustainable way of developing this country,” she said.
She also appealed to the government to attract and support investors to establish industries in rural areas, noting that this would create jobs for graduates coming out of TVET institutions and reduce rural-urban migration.
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango lauded the programme, saying it had created a rare opportunity for youth to engage directly with their leaders and openly express areas where they need support.
“This programme will have a huge impact in the community. It shows the importance of leaders working closely with the youth,” Murango said.
The Senator emphasised that youth must have a seat at the table whenever national issues are being discussed, adding that meaningful inclusion is key to reducing poverty and inequality.
Barangwi MCA David Mathenge also praised the initiative, calling on both the national and county governments to roll out more youth-focused programmes across Kirinyaga.
He noted that the empowerment drive will benefit over 2,000 youths and used the platform to call on the country government to bring back the bursary programme, saying the lack of bursaries last year affected many learners.
“I urge the Kirinyaga County Government under Governor Ann Waiguru to restore and strengthen the bursary programme to support our learners,” Mathenge said.
On education, the MCA challenged MPs from Kirinyaga to emulate Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s model, which has successfully supported students, arguing that what is possible in Kiharu can also be achieved in Gichugu and other constituencies within the county.
By David Wandeto
