Youth in Vihiga County are set to benefit from a new initiative, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through improved agricultural practices and market access.
The Financial Inclusion for Youth in Modern Agriculture (FIYMA) programme, which is currently operating in 32 counties, has partnered with local stakeholders to support young people aged between 18 and 35 years.
The five-year programme, which began in November last year, targets to reach at least 100,000 youth through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at a hotel in Gambogi, Vihiga County Wednesday, FIYMA programs Manager Monica Gachucha said the programme seeks to equip youth with practical skills on income generation, particularly in agriculture.
“We are offering solutions by identifying business opportunities for the youth and guiding them on how to develop viable business models. This will be achieved through structured training and continuous monitoring,” she said.
Gachucha noted that the programme also aims to identify key market actors, who will support young entrepreneurs in commercializing their ideas and hobbies.
FIYMA is targeting to collaborate with at least 50 SACCOs to help create up to 250,000 jobs.
The meeting brought together several partners already working with youth in Vihiga including Practical Action, Tunza Programme, SOFDI, Cereals Growers Association (CGA), YARA East Africa, Bio Gardening Information and Agro Africa Organization.
The partners pledged to work collaboratively by sharing data, linking programmes, and expanding outreach to ensure more youth benefit before the programme’s five-year period lapses.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for inclusivity, committing to ensure that vulnerable groups, including refugees and persons living with disabilities, are not left behind.
Vihiga County Chief Officer Dr.Betty Mulianga present at the meeting advised stakeholders to align their programmes with the county’s financial year calendar to enhance effective planning and implementation.
Vihiga County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Julius Maruja commended the stakeholders for their efforts and challenged them to embrace innovative approaches in agriculture.
“We must rethink agriculture and focus on what each of us can do to transform the sector. The county government is ready to work with all partners to achieve the shared vision of empowering our youth,” he said.
Maruja also urged stakeholders to uphold Article 43 of the Constitution, particularly the right to adequate food, as they implement their programmes.
Other county officials present included County Director of Agriculture Reuben Chumba, Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Darlington Kadenge and the County Project Coordinator for NAVCDP, among others.
By Rose Wasike
