Youth have been encouraged to take a keen interest in government incentives that are specially geared at empowering and positioning them for opportunities.

Bursaries in polytechnics and vocational training colleges are some of the programs that national and county governments use as incentives to equip youth with technical skills. The government is also focusing on man scaling down unemployment.

Also, the government runs several affirmative funds, enterprise funds, grants and loans for youth groups. These are programs aimed at stimulating economic empowerment for the youth.

Speaking during a youth sensitization event in Kiborokwo, Segero/Barsombe Ward on Tuesday, area Member of County Assembly, Nathan Malamoch, said the county government arms are working to ensure that youth stay on course towards empowerment.

He said the sensitization aims to give youth information about the empowerment programs, while also educating them against alcoholism and drug abuse, which are setbacks for success.

County Executive for Youth, Sports and ICT, Eng Lucy Ng’endo says: “The Governor is very mindful of our youth and so youth sensitization is one in many programs that our department is implementing to empower youth in Uasin Gishu County.”

Chief Officer for Youth and Sports, Nahum Jelagat, said Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration puts youth as a pillar that holds and supports societal growth.

Being one of the 10 pillars (Nguzo 10), Ms Jelagat said the Governor’s administration is rolling out several empowerment programs, including TVET, sports and loaning schemes to youth.

She said Governor Bii’s youth agenda under the ‘Vijana ni Nguzo Tuwakukuze’ motto seeks to shove a big focus on the youth who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

County Director for Youth, Peter Ruto, was among the speakers who sensitized against abuse of substances while adding that there are various programs tailored to empower youth in Uasin Gishu.

The youth sensitization and training program, under the Department of Youth and Sports, will be rolled out in all the wards across Uasin Gishu County, with professionals from various fields coaching on drafting proposals for project funding, formation of groups and other empowerment plans.