Youth in Kisii County have been challenged to register companies and apply for government jobs.
Governor James Ongwae says the youth should take advantage of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities provision to participate in government contracts and tenders.
Speaking at the Kisii Sports Club during the Yes Youth Can Kisii chapter Annual General Meeting, Governor Ongwae said under e-procurement, youth across the country had immense opportunity to get government tenders and contracts.
“I know the main challenge facing the youth is unemployment but unfortunately, not all can get jobs in the public service. In order to meaningfully address the issue of youth unemployment, it is necessary to give them opportunities to participate in government tenders,” said Ongwae.
He said his administration was committed to mainstreaming youth affairs in its development agenda and already, a directorate of youth affairs had been established in the department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Social Services.
“30 per cent of all procurement in the County Government is reserved for Youth, Women and Persons with Disability. The youth should register companies and apply for these jobs. My officers will be on hand to train you on this process,” he added.
Ongwae directed that the youth be incorporated in the technical committee organizing for the Kisii Entrepreneurship Summit scheduled for February 2016. He said the youth will get a slot during the summit where they will interact with international investors and showcase their innovations.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) to undertake training of innovators and upgrading of home grown technologies to international standards. Through this programme, we plan to offer linkages to the market,” he explained.
The governor offered to pay rent for the branch offices of the Yes Youth Can Kisii Chapter and Youth Bunge Sacco for one year. Youth Bunge Sacco Chairman Hesborn Moronya and Yes Youth Can chapter president Dennis Orioki thanked the governor for his gesture.
