Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala has raised concerns over the low number of youths, women and disabled persons applying for government tenders.
Speaking to journalists from his office on Thursday, Kiala said the county has received very few tender applications from youths, women and persons living with disability this financial year.
He said that 30 per cent of government tenders has been reserved to the marginalised groups but they are not applying for them.
“We get worried and concerned when youths, women and people living with disability fail to apply for tenders yet they have been reserved for them,” said Kiala.
Kiala asked the groups to take advantage of the government tenders and improve their living standards.
He also urged youths to send in applications for tenders which will be considered in the next financial year starting July.
He said that unemployment and other challenges facing the youths will be curbed if they take advantage of such opportunities.
The Deputy Governor said that Machakos government has put in place initiatives meant to empower youths and women.
He said empowerment programmes are being carried out across the county with the aim if sensitising youths, women and disabled on various development projects in the county.