The Government is implementing key programs aimed at creating job opportunities for young people, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Some of the programs already under implementation include the Digital Literacy Programme in primary schools, Ajira Digital programme and the Presidential Digital Talent Programme.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joe Mucheru during the International Youth Day Celebrations themed "Transforming Education' at the Matuga Youth Empowerment Centre in Kwale County on Monday, President Kenyatta said the Government has commissioned 150 centres across the country to provide a friendly environment for youth empowerment.
The President said the centers that are equipped with ICT and sporting infrastructure will serve as avenues for the youth to acquire digital skills and promote their talents.
"Our commitment is to continue developing these facilities until there is a Youth Empowerment Center in every sub-county as envisioned in our development agenda, Kenya Vision 2030," the Head of State said.
President Kenyatta further said the Government has established Talent Academies to harness and develop talent.
He noted that the academies are aimed at commercializing talents for the economic benefit of the youth.
The President observed that investments in the sports and arts sector have seen significant growth of opportunities and incomes for our young people.
"The Live and Recording Industry for example contributed 1.9 Billion Kenya Shillings to our economy in the last two years. This sector is projected to generate revenue of 2.9 Billion Kenya Shillings by 2020," he said.
Through the Ajira Digital Project, the President said Kenya is positioning itself as a choice labor destination for multinationals.
"Since inception in 2017, the program has provided 638,400 youth with continuous training and mentorship for the acquisition of skills to access digital jobs locally and internationally," the President added.
President Kenyatta revealed that the Cabinet recently approved approved the new Kenya Youth Development Policy.
According to the President, the policy prioritizes 8 areas on which efforts and resources meant for the youth shall be focused in the next 5 years.
"These areas comprise a set of interventions that will help Kenya realize a youth population that is empowered, healthy, safe, competent, earning decent livelihoods, creative, innovative, patriotic, and participating in decision making, upholding ethical values, and protecting the environment," he said.
The President at the same time cautioned the youth against gambling, noting that they cannot prosper if every coin they make ends up in gambling.
"Gambling has entrapped many youth in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness. Gambling also erodes the benefits of disposable income in our economy," the President said.
During the Monday Youth Day celebrations, State Corporations among them the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), the private sector and youths groups exhibited their services to the public.
KFCB led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ezekiel Mutua sensitized the public on its regulatory mandate, clean content campaign and the Sinema Mashinani Initiative.
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