Nambale Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mulanya has urged youth to form and register groups so they can access empowerment funds and grants aimed at supporting income-generating projects.
Speaking at Nambale during a fundraiser for self-help groups, Mulanya said investing in youth initiatives would help build a more secure and economically stable community.
He noted that the government and other stakeholders have set aside funds meant to support youth projects, but many young people are unable to benefit because they are not organized in registered groups.
“There is a lot of money meant to support our youth in various projects that can help them. That’s why we are encouraging them to create and register groups and identify viable projects so that we can support them to grow and become self-reliant,” he said.
The MP linked the rising cases of insecurity and drug abuse among youth to unemployment and idleness, emphasizing that empowering young people economically would help address the challenge.
“We may not be able to create jobs for everyone at once, but when we empower our youth through different projects, we will have created opportunities for them. This will also enhance security in our community as youth will not engage in crime and drug abuse,” he said.
Mulanya also cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, following recent incidents of mob justice in the area.
“Recently we witnessed mob killings in Nambale over issues that do not warrant the loss of life. Together with security agencies we are pursuing the matter so that those involved face the law. Anyone suspected of committing a crime should be arrested and handed over to the police rather than being attacked,” he said.
He added that plans are underway to improve security through the installation of street lighting along key roads.
“We are planning to install street lighting from Tangakona to Nambale centre so that our people can conduct their businesses in a well-lit environment. The program will later be extended to other areas to improve security,” he assured.
The legislator further said his focus remains on development, particularly in the education sector, noting that efforts are ongoing to improve school infrastructure to create a better learning environment for students.
“We are investing in the education of our children by improving infrastructure in our schools so that they can learn in a conducive environment. Let us focus on development politics and support leaders who have the interests of the people at heart,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda & Rodgers Omondi
