President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the youth to actively participate in this year’s election process so as to choose credible leaders to bring positive change in the society.
The President urged the youth to take a firm stand in support of peace and national cohesion before, during, and after the elections.
The President who was commissioning the 2017 KCB 2jiajiri programme benefiting more than 10,000 young Kenyans, called on the youth to shun all leaders who may seek to divide Kenyans along tribal or religious lines.
“Say no to violence, say no to chaos, period,” said the President.
“Play your role in ensuring that Kenya’s future remains bright and hopeful,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta commended the Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation for its innovative skills development and job creation through support for self-employment.
“The 2jiajiri programme is truly remarkable in its responsiveness to national needs and its level of ambition to unleash the potential of our youth,” said President Kenyatta.
The programme which is expected to reach 50, 000 youth and informal sector entrepreneurs within five years, is designed to bridge the unemployment gap that exists among youth caused by lack of skills and limited access to business capital.
The Head of State commended the pioneer class who are already using the knowledge and skills acquired to engage in businesses and other economic development programmes.
“I applaud the principles on which this programme has been built. A recognition of the inherent dignity of work, an understanding of the transformative power of enterprise and a belief in the incredible talents of our youth,” said the President.
He pointed out that the foundation elements of the programme are central to the progress and success of Kenya’s society.
He said it is due to this, that the Government has proactively pursued strategies to create an enabling environment for businesses and industrialization expansion so as to grow the economy.
“We have sought, through Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) and other initiatives, to pay particular attention to the needs of young, dynamic entrepreneurs,” said President Kenyatta.
He pointed out that the Government appreciates the importance of technical skills in national development equation and this is the reason it is raising the profile of technical skills as a means to reduce youth unemployment.
The President said as part of its commitment, the government has set aside Sh500 million Kenya shillings for students joining technical training institutions to facilitate the payment of tuition.
He further noted that the government is in the process of constructing 70 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, with a capacity for 100,000 students.
This, said the President, will enable the country to close the critical skills gap; saying currently Kenya has too few technicians and artisans in relation to the number of engineers.
The President pointed out that his Government recognises the important role played by small-scale businesses in driving prosperity of any nation, especially those that are established, owned and managed by the youth.
It is for this reason, said President Kenyatta that the Government has established special programmes to support young people to set up and run thriving businesses.
Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said the 2jiajiri programme augments the ongoing initiatives by the Government to transform the youth from being job seekers to job creators.
She said her ministry has set up a coordinating framework that brings together all stakeholders working on youth training and employment issues so as to work more coherently and achieve greater impact.
Kenya Commercial Bank Group CEO Joshua Oigara also spoke during the function saying Kenya’s economy is being redefined by the youth.
Also present were Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and the Deputy President’s spouse Rachel Ruto.
By PSCU.