Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Cecily Kariuki has urged youths to observe austerity measures now that National Youth Sevice programme has resumed.
Kariuki, while speaking in Nakuru West on Thursday where she re-launched the programme, said before the programme was halted last year, youths working under the programme from the area had managed to save sh14 million cumulatively.
“We have managed to save sh14 million for the period which the programme was operational and this is quite a huge amount of money that should be well utilized for growth,” she said.
The programme was re-launched in both Nakuru West and East constituencies respectively.
She also dismissed rumours that the funds which were saved were plundered.
She said the government under her ministry, are in the final stages of launching an independent sacco which will bank all the funds.
She said that the essence of NYS programme was to inculcate skills of independence and entrepreneurship among youths.
“NYS programme is tailored to ensure our youths get the necessary skills which can help them start their own businesses and maintain them to the last minute. Sh14 million is a huge amount but at the same time, is money we can diminish if we put in bad use within a day. so let us be objective and wise while using it,” she said.