Kiambu County hosted the annual Youth Employability Summit 2026 at the County Headquarters, drawing over 500 young people, employers, training institutions and development partners in a concerted push to tackle youth unemployment.
The one-day event provided participants with career guidance, direct networking sessions with potential employers and mentors and practical information on available jobs, internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Organizers said the summit aimed at bridging the gap between skills possessed by the youth and market demands.
Speaking during the event, Kiambu Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi who was the chief guest urged the youth to proactively seize the opportunities created by both county and national governments.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it. I encourage our youth to take full advantage of the skills training programmes, financial support initiatives, and empowerment projects that the county has put in place,” Governor Wamatangi said.
He added, “We are committed to ensuring that our young people are not only job-ready but are also equipped to create their own jobs. Through partnerships with various institutions, we are investing in practical skills that match industry needs, particularly in construction, manufacturing, digital economy, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship.”
The summit targeted youth aged 18 to 35, including recent graduates, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs from all sub-counties in Kiambu. This year’s edition attracted more than 20 partners and stakeholders who offered insights, pledges for internship placements, and business support services.
Key institutions represented at the function included, the National Construction Authority (NCA), Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), KCB Bank, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Digital Marketing Institute, Generation Kenya, SOMO Africa, Kenya Red Cross, and Petanns College among others.
County officials highlighted that the summit forms part of broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment through targeted interventions such as the Kiambu Youth Enterprise Development Fund, skills development centres, and linkages with industries operating within the county.
Participants engaged in breakout sessions covering topics such as CV writing, interview skills, digital marketing, construction opportunities under the Affordable Housing Programme, and starting and scaling micro-enterprises. Several institutions offered on-spot registration for training programmes and internship placements.
The event concluded with networking sessions and exhibitions where partners displayed various opportunities available to the youth. Organizers plan to make the summit an even larger annual platform for youth empowerment in the coming years.
by Kipkorir Felix
