Youth

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion following a consultative meeting with youth leaders drawn from all six sub-counties to discuss solutions to challenges facing young people.

The meeting, attended by representatives of youth groups and associations and led by Makueni University Students Association chairperson Daniel Kisilu , focused on increasing youth participation in county governance, including budget planning, employment, internships, scholarships, and programmes to address drug and substance abuse.

Governor Mutula directed the Directorate of Youth Affairs to establish an 11-member advisory board comprising representatives from all six sub-counties and persons with disabilities to champion youth interests. He also pledged affirmative action in future county employment opportunities while urging young leaders to engage government through established legal and governance frameworks.

The consultative forum forms part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen youth engagement and promote inclusive development.

Thirty-three boda boda riders from Kee Ward have graduated to become fully qualified motor vehicle drivers after successfully completing a county-sponsored driving training programme. The graduates were issued with interim driving licences during a ceremony held at Kee Market on Wednesday.

The programme, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, is designed to help boda boda riders transition into professional driving and access broader employment opportunities.

Speaking during the licence issuance ceremony, County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said the initiative, now in its third phase in Kee Ward, will proceed to a fourth phase to give more young people an opportunity to benefit.

Kyoni noted that the programme reflects Makueni’s continued commitment to investing in youth by equipping them with practical skills that enable them to transition into new careers, secure gainful employment and build sustainable livelihoods.

Kee Ward MCA Albanus Manzu, who also attended the event, called on more young people to take advantage of the next phase of the programme by registering in large numbers.

The County Government of Makueni has urged bodaboda operators to join registered Saccos to strengthen their businesses, access affordable credit and benefit from county empowerment programmes.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Ema Bodaboda Energies Fuel Station in Emali, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said organized groups stand a better chance of accessing the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), where eligible Saccos can obtain loans of KSh 50,000 and above to expand their investments.

Eng. Kyoni commended the bodaboda fraternity for establishing the fuel station, noting that the venture will diversify their income, strengthen their financial stability and improve livelihoods.

The initiative, spearheaded by James Kimanthi Mbaluka and the Emali bodaboda fraternity, is expected to create new economic opportunities for riders while supporting the wider Emali community

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.