Youth

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.

In a bid to enhance road safety and reduce accidents, Makueni County Government through the department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services has implemented a one-month, fully sponsored motor vehicle and motorcycle training program targeting young people.

On Monday, 65 youth from Kilungu Ward were awarded Class B2 driving licenses, while 68 from Nzakika and 59 from Kitise Wards received motorcycle riding licenses after successfully completing the training. This brings the total number of trained and licensed youth to 277 across the county in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The initiative, a key component of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusive development agenda, seeks to empower young people with employable and life-enhancing skills, fostering resilience and self-reliance among the county’s youth.

A total of 89 young people in Kathonzweni Ward have benefited from the “Ujuzi Teke Teke” empowerment program, receiving tools of trade to kick-start their enterprises.

Tools provided include barbering & salon kits, welding equipment, mechanical repair kits, tailoring kits and car wash machines. Mbuvo and Kathonzweni clusters each received a car wash set-up, while Ngomano cluster benefited from an irrigation kit.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, combines hands-on mentorship from seasoned business owners (master craftsmen) with the provision of start-up kits, enabling youth to establish and grow their businesses.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni terms the program a catalyst for local economic growth and self-reliance. Youth Director Boniface Muting’a led the distribution exercise on Thursday.