Unemployed youth from Nyamira county have formed a group to help them start income-generating projects.
The Nyamira Youth Nest, with members from four constituencies, has come up with several agricultural practices aimed at keeping them away from drug abuse and crime.
In an interview on Sunday, chairman Stephen Onyancha said the group has been sensitising other young people about the importance of starting income-generating activities.
“We came up with this idea of starting various small businesses after we realised that most young people have started engaging in drug and substance abuse and this is brought about by unemployment, which has been a challenge not only in Nyamira but all over the country,” he said.
Member Ruth Kerubo said unemployment has pushed young women and girls to engage in premature sex, hence teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
“We have been having challenges with girls who complete their education but cannot find employment. Some of them give up and start engaging in drug abuse and sexual activities," she said.
Member Boniface Onyambu said some young people get frustrated because of lack of employment and end up taking their own lives.
"That is why we have decided to come up with this initiative to help our youths from sinking completely,” he said.
They want the county to support their work.
“We are calling upon the county government to come in and assist us with a few resources so that we can continue with our activities,” Onyancha said.
