About 1,000 youth across Uasin Gishu county are set to
benefit from an expanded internship initiative designed to empower them through
hands-on work experience.
The county is offering opportunities to students from tertiary institutions and universities to gain the practical exposure they need for future employment.
Speaking during a youth career fair in Eldoret, Youth Affairs executive Robert Kemei said the county was commitment to tackling youth unemployment by equipping young people with real-world experience.
"We understand that experience is crucial for employment and we are working to bridge that gap," Kemei said.
He said the administration of Governor Jonathan Bii is focused on building a strong foundation to make the youth more competitive in the job market.
The official said the beneficiaries will be placed across various sectors within the county to ensure broad-based exposure and skill-building.
“We will ensure while on internship the youth will receive necessary training and support to be relevant in the job market out there,” Kemei said.
Beyond internships, the executive outlined other ongoing empowerment strategies which include mentorship and training programmes, allocation of tenders through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities initiative, sports tournaments to nurture talent and the rollout of free Wi-Fi hotspots to expand digital access.
Kemei said youth affairs was prioritised as the fifth pillar in Bii's manifesto and that the governor is keen to ensure youth have access to available empowerment opportunities in the region.
Youth Affairs county chief officer Victorine Kapkiai said the department has already begun implementing empowerment and training sessions in partnership with various organisations.
She explained that the provision of Wi-Fi hotspots is part of a broader digital inclusion plan, designed to enable youth to tap into business and employment opportunities in the digital space.
Kapkiai also revealed that selected youth are being sponsored for driving courses to enhance their employability and equip them with practical, market-relevant skills.
Director for Youth Affairs Meshack Chemwor was among the senior county officials who attended the event.
