Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa./FILE
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged youths to take charge of their future by embracing innovation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
Barasa said young people should become part of the solution in technology, agriculture, and job creation to drive their own future in a rapidly changing environment.
“This generation must stand strong and make a meaningful contribution towards a better nation and good livelihood. We cannot grow Kakamega through noise or tribal slogans,” he said.
He spoke during the Kakamega County Youth Dialogue Forum at Masinde Muliro University, themed “Building Bridges, Inspiring Futures".
The event was attended by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, Masinde Muliro University vice chancellor Solomon Shibairo.
It brought together Gen Z, millennials and government leaders.
The governor cited the Kazi Mashinani programme, which has employed more than 3,000 youth, launch of ICT hubs in Shianda and Kakamega polytechnics and Sh12 million worth of grants for youth-run businesses as part of the county government's efforts to support youths.
He said the county’s industrialisation path—including the recently commissioned Lugari maize milling plant and Butere hatchery, Matawa fertiliser factory, Ikolomani gold refinery and the upcoming Tumbeni milk processing plant are some of the steps towards reducing unemployment.
“These projects are not just about machines brick and mortar but are giving young people sustainable development opportunities," Barasa said.
Wandayi said the national government is committed to creating a conducive environment for industrialisation.
“We have come to a conscious decision that we are fond of pretending to understand issues of the youth. And that is why we are keen on such occasions, which provide a chance to listen because listening is the starting point to understand,” he said.
Wandayi said the ministry has the responsibility to extend coverage of electrification because energy is a key driver of economic growth and an important component as far as Job creation is concerned.
He said his ministry is currently partnering with Information and Communication Technology Authority and the Communications Authority through Kenya Power in terms of expanding the fiber network to help the youth access digital platforms.
Jacobs urged young Kenyans to actively participate in national conversations, especially those that touch on employment and labour conditions.
Barasa said his administration had factored Sh100 million in the current budget for establishment of a textile factory in Likuyani subcounty. He said the factory will offer 800 jobs once complete.
