Post: Fourth Murang’a Youth Cohort Graduates, Marking Major Milestone

Murang'a: Over 1,000 young men and women in Murang'a County were commissioned over the weekend after attaining community service skills imparted under the Murang'a Youth Service initiative. Under this programme, approximately 6,300 youth have graduated since its inception three years ago.According to Kenya News Agency, the ceremony took place on July 13, 2025, at the Murang'a Level 5 Hospital grounds, marking the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Murang'a Youth Service (MYS) into community service. The event was presided over by Governor Irungu Kang'ata and attended by several leaders, including Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Peter Salasya, Babu Owino, Mark Mwenje, and media personality and Bishop Ben Kiengei of Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM).Governor Kang'ata commended the youth for their discipline and commitment, noting that the programme aims to offer economic empowerment, skills development, and moral grounding to the local youth. He emphasized the significance of this graduation as the begi nning of a new chapter, offering the graduates a one-year tax holiday and a solid start-up package.Launched in 2022, the MYS programme engages youth in various community development projects before enrolling them for vocational training across the county. Participants are recruited through a transparent balloting process, earning a daily wage, with part of it directed to their parents or guardians to promote shared empowerment.MP Peter Salasya praised Murang'a County for integrating NITA-accredited training into MYS, suggesting it should serve as a national model. Babu Owino encouraged graduates to use their resources wisely and advocated for the programme's expansion across the country. Bishop Ben Kiengei applauded the county government's efforts in restoring dignity to families through the MYS initiative.Governor Kang'ata announced plans for enhanced training for future MYS cohorts and an increase in admissions. Graduates expressed gratitude, with Evans Kamau from Kandara planning to start a car wash business with the Sh15,000 grant provided to each graduate. The initiative aims to empower youth to build sustainable ventures, setting the stage for their economic revolution.