Youth

The Ajira kwa Vijana Program was on Wednesday rolled out in Kikumbulyu North Ward, becoming the fourth ward to benefit from the youth empowerment initiative being implemented by the Government of Makueni County.

More than 500 casual workers are benefiting from the Ksh 2 million ward allocation, undertaking activities such as bush clearing, drainage maintenance and environmental improvement works.

The program is set to move to Nguu Masumba Ward on Thursday, making it the fifth ward to benefit from the initiative.

The Government of Makueni County has launched the Ajira kwa Vijana program, with Wote Nziu Ward becoming the first ward to implement the initiative aimed at empowering youths through short-term employment opportunities.

Speaking during the launch, CECM for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, announced that the county has allocated Ksh 2 million for the program, benefiting over 582 casual workers in the ward.

The initiative involves mitre drain construction, bush clearing, and unclogging of culverts and drainage systems to improve infrastructure while creating income opportunities for young people.

Kyoni noted that the program will also be rolled out in Nguu/Masumba, Makindu, Nguumo and Kikumbulyu North wards this week, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 2,200 youths.

Area MCA Felix Mateso commended the initiative, saying it will empower youths and contribute to environmental conservation and community development.

The program is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior’s commitment to creating opportunities that enhance youth livelihoods and participation in development.

More than 500 youths from Ivingoni Nzambani Ward have benefited from a soft skills training programme organized by the Government of Makueni County through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

The training, held at Thongoni area on Thursday, and at Nzambani earlier on Tuesday marked the culmination of a youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and readiness for the job market.

Participants were taken through key areas including CV writing, interview preparation, mental health awareness, prevention of drug and substance abuse, as well as sensitization on employment and job opportunities.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting programmes that empower young people and improve their livelihoods.

The programme forms part of the county government’s broader agenda to strengthen youth capacity, promote economic empowerment and address social challenges affecting young people across Makueni County.

More than 300 youths from Ivingoni Nzambani Ward have benefited from a soft skills training program organized by the Government of Makueni County through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

The training focused on employability skills, youth employment opportunities, mental health awareness and drug and substance abuse prevention.

Speaking during the session, Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Nicholas Mutua said the initiative comes at a critical time when many young people are facing unemployment challenges across the country. He noted that equipping youths with soft skills is key in improving their confidence, communication abilities and readiness for the job market.

Mutua also warned the youths against drug and substance abuse, describing it as one of the major obstacles preventing many young people from achieving their goals and securing a brighter future.

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.