Over 100 youths from Kisumu East Sub-county will benefit from a one year entrepreneurship program sponsored by the Australian government.
The program which is to be implemented by Kenya Youth Business Trust (KYBT) and the county government, will see the youths trained on entrepreneurship and given money to start their businesses.
Secretary to the Australian High Commission Niamh Dobson said the program is part of Australia's efforts to support the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups including youth which is in line with the Australian government’s development policy of promoting prosperity, reducing poverty and enhancing stability.
The program provides aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with invaluable resources and experience to help them horn key entrepreneurial and business skills related to creativity, communication, leadership and team building.
KYBT provides start-up capital, business training and mentorship for youth who have viable business propositions but who are unable to find finance elsewhere.
It also provides successful applicants with volunteer business mentors and full access to the organisation's local and national business support network.
“The Australian High Commission is pleased to be part of this project for several reasons. We recognize that entrepreneurship is critical to any country’s economic success," stated Dobson.
"It is the single most important driver of private sector job growth in a country,” added Dobson.
Governor Jack Ranguma who was part of the launch said he was pleased with the program, and asked the well wishers to extend it to other parts of the county.
“Kisumu is wide and there are very many unemployed youths. I hope we will look into bringing on board the other six sub counties,” he said.