Youth

The Government of Makueni County has taken a significant step in strengthening child participation in governance following the launch of the county chapter of the Kenya Children’s Assembly.

The Assembly is a structured platform that brings children together to deliberate on issues affecting their lives, including education, health, protection, and overall wellbeing. It mirrors formal governance systems, with elected child leaders taking up roles such as Governor, Speaker, and Clerk—offering young people a practical introduction to leadership, representation, and democratic processes as well as influence child policy development.

The establishment of the Makueni chapter means that children in the county now have an organized avenue to participate meaningfully in development. It also opens the door for their representation at the national level, where they join peers from across the country to engage on broader issues and contribute to national discourse.

The launch was graced by County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, alongside officers from the State Department for Children Services, at Wote Greenpark on Tuesday.

Organized groups engaged in income-generating activities in Makueni are set for a major boost as the county government prepares to roll out the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF).

With a capital outlay of Sh168 million, the fund will support women, youth, PWDs, and other marginalized groups to grow their enterprises and transition into mainstream financial systems.

Initially launched in 2015 as the Tetheka Fund, the initiative faced challenges including high default rates and weak recovery mechanisms.

Under the leadership of Mutula Kilonzo Jr, the fund has been restructured to align with reviewed legal frameworks, reduce default risks, and enhance financial inclusion.

On Tuesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, presided over the induction of the County Fund Committee ahead of the rollout phase.

Lending will be issued to organized groups through a digital platform developed in partnership with Safaricom.

Seventeen young people from Kikumbulyu South Ward are now ready to venture into the business world as self-employed entrepreneurs after receiving tools of trade under the Ujuzi Teketeke Programme, spearheaded by the Government of Makueni County.

The transformative initiative by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration aims to equip young people with practical skills and sustainable sources of income by training and supporting them to start and grow small businesses.

Beneficiaries were issued with a range of equipment, including salon and barbering kits, vending trolleys, welding machines, and other essential tools tailored to their trades, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically productive within their communities.

Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and area MCA Jades Kalunda led the distribution exercise

17 young people in Kikumbulyu North Ward have received tools of trade to start their own bisiness ventures under the Ujuzi Teketeke Programme,

The initiative spearhead by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services aims at empowering young people with practical skills and opportunities for self-employment.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni noted that the programme will continue to roll out in other wards across the county as part of efforts to empower more youths through skills development and enterprise support.

The Makueni County Government on Wednesday launched Phase Three of its youth driving training programme at Kee Market, enrolling 33 youths from Kee Ward for a two-month course aimed at equipping them with driving skills and enabling them to acquire driving licences.

The programme, implemented for the third year in Kee Ward, is being rolled out across three wards. It was launched on Tuesday in Masongaleni Ward, where 46 youths are benefiting, and is scheduled to reach Tulimani Ward next week.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the initiative is designed to enhance youth employability by providing practical, market-driven skills.

Kee Ward MCA Albanus Manzu praised Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. for supporting the programme, describing it as a critical step in expanding economic opportunities for young people.

The Makueni County Department of Gender, Youth, Children, Sports and Social services on Monday held a consultative meeting with boda boda leaders from across the county to address key issues within the sector.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Children, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni chaired the meeting which brought together chairpersons representing boda boda stages, Wards, sub-counties and the county leadership.

During the engagement, the County Government and boda boda leadership agreed to undertake a countywide exercise to establish accurate data on boda boda operators. The exercise will capture key information including ownership of motorcycles, insurance status, identification documents, driving licences, and the specific needs of riders. It will also assess membership in Saccos, self-help groups and welfare associations.

Eng. Kyoni noted that the data will guide the County Government in designing targeted interventions to support the boda boda sector, improve safety standards and effective service delivery.

County Boda Boda Chairperson Benard Mutisya affirmed the sector’s commitment to work closely with the county to streamline the sector.

Makueni County Government on Friday empowered youth in Kibwezi Kikumbulyu South Ward through the issuance of 16 motorbikes to support boda boda transport and small-scale business ventures, as part of its ongoing youth economic empowerment programme.

The initiative, spearheaded by the County Government under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., aims to enhance youth livelihoods, promote self-employment, and reduce unemployment across the county.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the motorbikes are meant to provide sustainable income opportunities and urged beneficiaries to take good care of the assets to ensure long-term benefits. He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to scaling up youth empowerment initiatives.

Kikumbulyu South Ward Representative Jades Kalunda commended the county government for prioritising youth empowerment and called on young people to actively participate in government programmes.