Githurai youth have urged the Kiambu County government to provide them with information on the existing Uwezo and Biashara Funds.
Speaking during a youth forum at the Mwhihoko Chief’s camp on Thursday, the youth said they have little information about the existence of development funds.
Moses Kinyanjui, a youth in Githurai, said he has no information regarding how to access the Biashara and Uwezo Funds.
“We only hear and see some of these things in the media but we do not get such information from our leaders and government officials,” he said.
Kinyanjui said many of his friends want to access the funds and empower themselves but lack of information has hindered them from applying for the funds.
Mercy Njoroge, a peer counselor in the area, said many youth are languishing in unemployment adding that lack of information about government programmes has denied them opportunities.
“The government should conduct awareness and sensitisation forums for youth on the existing development funds and other opportunities to enable them take part in the projects and get empowered,” said Njoroge.
The peer counselor also asked leaders to engage with the locals and provide them with relevant information on government programmes and projects.
The youths appealed to Kiambu County Youth Affairs executive Michael Waikenda to intervene in the matter. They also asked their MP Esther Gathongo to help them access information on development funds.
Speaking at a separate function at Wamatano Estate in Ruiru, area MP Esther Gathongo urged youth to be active and seek involvement in development.
She said that there were various development programmes running in the constituency adding that youth have to come out and seek involvement in the projects.
The MP who had toured Githurai to assess the effects of the El Nino rains in the area said she will work with the county and the national government to push for youth and women empowerment.