As political divisions continue to rock the country, young people in Murang’a have been urged to resist being drawn into partisan political battles and instead focus on building their careers to secure a better future.
The call was made during the first Murang’a Young Professionals Expo, an event that brought together hundreds of youths, entrepreneurs, mentors, and leaders to create a platform for skills development, networking, and opportunity sharing.
Ahadi Kenya CEO Dr Stanley Kamau lauded the initiative, saying it was timely in a country where unemployment continues to frustrate many young graduates.
He urged youth to resist being used to advance political interests at the expense of their personal growth.
“Anything that will bring disunity in the country, resist it. Do not help to propel the interests of others while neglecting your own development,” he said. “Instead focus on something that will help grow your career and uplift your life,” he added.
Dr Kamau reminded the youth that while political divisions may come and go, the future of young people depends on the choices they make today.
“Resist the urge to further political mileage for others. Focus on your own life, your career, and your family. That is how you will secure your future and build a stronger nation,” he said.
He further commended the young professionals for organizing themselves into a forum that aims to empower peers through mentorship, training, and exposure to the business world.
The chairperson of Murang’a Young Professionals (MYP), Aurelia Wacera, observed that the forum was born out of the rising challenge of unemployment and shrinking opportunities.
She noted that thousands of graduates leave universities and colleges every year, but job opportunities remained limited.
“We have partnered with the private sector and people within opportunities so that we connect the young people to these opportunities in real time. They also get mentored,” she said adding that, “Through MYP we hope to lobby for more opportunities to empower and uplift our youth to inspire a generation that is confident, skilled, and ready for the market”.
She noted that the platform not only exposes the youth to new opportunities but also equips them with tools to thrive in the digital and entrepreneurial economy.
MYP Secretary General Peter Muhia, emphasized the forums deliberate partnerships with both private and public sector to unlock more opportunities for young people
“We also facilitate structured mentorship programmes linking seasoned professionals and leaders with emerging youth leaders with the goal of creating a strong bridge between experience and ambition,” he said.
One of the MYP beneficiaries Dennis Mairu a young graduate, says the initiative changed his life by opening both career and mentorship doors.
“Through MYP I got a job as a website manager and photographer. I also receive mentorship as I envision myself vying for a political seat in future,” he said.
For Lusania Kamau, a student at Kiharu Technical College pursuing catering and accommodation, the expo provided vital skills that would help him navigate life even before completing his course.
“I have received mentorship and tips that will help me start a business even as I continue with my studies. Before I accomplish my course, I now know of activities I can do to earn a living and make life in school easier,” he said.
“I have learnt that I don’t need to have millions to start a business. I can start small and slowly grow my business.”
During the expo, participants underwent capacity-building sessions that included training on employability, entrepreneurship, and soft skills required in today’s competitive labour market.
The event also created opportunities for young people to interact with a vetted network of professionals, potential investors, and business leaders from the private sector and beyond.
The Murang’a Young Professionals Forum has pledged to make the expo an annual event, reaching more youth across the county with mentorship and training programmes.
By Florence Kinyua
