The Kiambu County Commissioner’s office Saturday hosted a youth empowerment programme that brought together young people from across the region at the Kiambu National Polytechnic.
The event provided a platform for government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private entities to engage youths on available opportunities, challenges facing the young population and practical pathways to economic independence.
Assistant County Commissioner Grace Wairimu, who represented the County Commissioner, expressed her delight both as an officer and as a parent.
“As an officer and a parent, I am delighted to see young people coming together to learn about government structures and opportunities. I urge you to embrace these structures, work on self-improvement and use the knowledge gained to impact your communities positively,” said Wairimu.
She further encouraged the participants to work hard and consider self-employment, noting the current challenges in securing formal government jobs.
“The reality is that jobs from the government are limited. Young people must therefore work hard and embrace self-employment as a viable path,” she stated.
Another area Assistant County Commissioner Caleb Nyongesa, who coordinated the meeting, outlined the role of the National Government Administrative Officers in enforcing laws and facilitating access to essential services.
He also emphasized the importance of collective action among the youth. “Young people need to work together so that they can rise. It is much easier to access grants and other opportunities when you are registered as a group,” said Nyongesa.
Several government institutions and partners took part in the programme. The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) explained procedures for accessing bursaries and grants. Officials from the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) highlighted opportunities in the affordable housing programme and the value of National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certificates in helping youth’s secure employment or start businesses.
Participants were also informed about the government’s current Jobs for Kenyan Youths and Enterprise Transformation (JKET) initiative, which is funded by the World Bank and aims to expand skills development and enterprise support.
The Kenya Red Cross Society and private entities, including firms such as Tabor that facilitate employment opportunities abroad, shared information on available programmes.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on their part used the platform to sensitize youths on the dangers of counterfeit and illicit drugs, noting that the problem affects about 22 percent of Kiambu’s population.
Representatives from the Youth Fund and various mental health organizations also addressed the gathering, underscoring the need for holistic support systems that combine economic empowerment with psychosocial wellbeing.
The programme underscored the National Government’s commitment to equipping young people with information and linkages that can help them navigate a competitive job market.
By bringing together multiple stakeholders under one roof, the Office of the County Commissioner sought to bridge the gap between policy intentions and practical access for youths at the grassroots.
Officials reiterated that sustained engagement, registration of youth groups and continuous self-development remain critical for unlocking the numerous opportunities presented by both public and private sector partners.
The event concluded with calls for participants to cascade the information to their peers in the wards and villages, so that more young people can benefit.
By Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo
