By D, KNA
Youth in Meru County got a major boost after development partners through Community Roads Empowerment (CORE) Kenya offered them Sh20 million to invest in small and micro enterprises (SMEs).
With funding from the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and the World Bank, the budding entrepreneurs from at least 49 Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) are well placed to begin start-ups.
The initiative, which has been running since 2022, targeted underserved communities in Gitimbine, Mjini, and Majengo, where residents have been rehabilitating access roads using labour-based methods.
The SMEs were established to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth while enhancing self-reliance.
According to Project Coordinator Mr Amos Biwott, the SMEs have diversified into different ventures including 13 who invested in hardware and construction tools and materials, 21 are selling and supplying construction materials while 15 acquired construction machines to hire out to customers
“We were not only aiming at improving the road network but also the creation of job opportunities for young people,” said Mr. Biwott adding that they also wanted to give confidence to them so that they can do it on their own.”
CORE Kenya facilitated the registration of the SMEs through Huduma Centers and certification with the National Construction Authority (NCA), enabling them to tender for road construction projects.
This ensures that the skills gained during the rehabilitation works can be applied to future community development initiatives.
Beyond livelihoods, the project emphasized capacity building and sustainability of labour-based road maintenance technology.
All identified feeder roads in the three target areas were rehabilitated using Do Nou technology, a method that involves filling gunny bags with materials to repair impassable road sections.
Mr Biwott noted that the improved access roads are vital for residents to reach schools, hospitals, and markets, thereby reducing isolation in underserved areas.
He said the project’s dual focus in road rehabilitation and youth empowerment marks a significant step toward transforming Meru’s socio-economic landscape.