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MSEA stages a sensitization on its programmes and projects

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration with Gichugu NG-CDF has organized a grassroots sensitization and capacity-building for a for youth at the Gichugu Technical and Vocational College.

MSEA Director of Infrastructure Development and Innovation, Eng. Edward Karani, provided insights into the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Project (KJET), a program designed to support through targeted training, co-investment in essential machinery, and access to Business Development Services (BDS) to enhance competitiveness along various value chains.

Eng. Karani said MSEA was keen to ensure that more opportunities were created in villages through value chain addition where the youth will be engaged in such processes as marketing of products, and embracing technology as a tool to enhance productivity within the rural economies.

The director further revealed that through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, over 100,000 beneficiaries nationwide. The NYOTA is a government initiative funded by the World Bank aimed at empowering youth, particularly those aged 18-29 (up to 35 for persons with disabilities). It focuses on addressing unemployment, enhancing income generation, and promoting a savings culture among the target group.

The National Youth Opportunities project is recruiting for a business support program nationwide, with a goal of benefiting up to 110,000 beneficiaries by April 30th. The project aims to encourage applications and provide BDS services for 50,000 grants.

He encouraged the youth that more opportunities are available through forming groups and associations, that they can be able to access the market, machinery, and infrastructure that would help them produce and enhance their productivity.

On the other hand, Gichugu MP Gichimu Githinji expressed his appreciation to MSEA for its ongoing commitment to grassroots economic empowerment. He lauded the youth and MSEs for turning out in large numbers and urged beneficiaries of the NYOTA program to use their grants wisely to start or grow businesses and not waste the opportunity; as such, chances are rare and life changing.

Gichugu TVET Principal, Mr. Joseph Kimemia, noted the government funding is helping those who have graduated from technical institutions to invest on their line of specializations noting that it was not the case in the past where only groups were targeted but now even individuals can access.

“I ask youth to grab the opportunity to start their own businesses, the grant is a new phenomenon that the government should be given credit for,” Kimemia noted.

The event was also attended by the Deputy County Commissioner Kirinyaga East, Kirinyaga County Government representatives; and representatives from the Youth Fund Kenya Women Enterprise Fund the Uwezo Fund and the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy all of whom offered valuable insights and support to the participants.

The event culminated with the distribution of Common User Machines, including sewing and knitting machines, to registered associations to boost productivity, promote value addition, and empower local entrepreneurs.

By Mutai Kipngetich

 

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