Tharaka nithi: National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Promoter in Tharaka-Nithi and Meru Counties, Beatrice Karwitha, has called on young people in the areas to take full advantage of the empowerment programme, describing it as a 'game-changer' for local communities through the implementation of sustainable business ideas and projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, Karwitha was speaking at the close of a four-day training on social, emotional, and core business skills. She urged the 400 beneficiaries drawn from five wards to remain disciplined and focused as they embark on their enterprises. Each trainee will eventually receive Sh50,000, amounting to Sh5 million in total, to kick-start their ventures.
Karwitha highlighted the uniqueness of the programme by pointing out that this is the first youth initiative where participants are given money without the expectation of repayment. She cautioned against diverting the funds to purposes other than the intended business ventures.
The role of trainers, who will continue mentoring the beneficiaries during the implementation period, was also emphasized by Karwitha. She noted that youths needing specialized expertise, such as veterinary services for livestock farmers, are encouraged to seek assistance from government officers or consult their trainers and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
Karwitha encouraged collaboration among the trainees, citing examples such as poultry farmers sourcing maize for feed from fellow trainees. She urged them not to be selfish but to support each other to grow collectively.
Proper utilization of the funds could significantly transform the county's economy, aligning with the Kenya Kwanza Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Karwitha urged the youth to take this rare opportunity to advance their business areas and promote the government agenda while supporting fellow youth.