By John Majau
Meru County government has partnered with the Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation (KCBF) to sponsor 400 vulnerable youths from the county to acquire technical training skills.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCBF led by KCBF Head of Citizenship Ms. Catherine Wanjeri Kihara.
In a ceremony witnessed by Mr. Luis Bosch, a representative of the German International Development Agency (GIZ), governor Kiraitu and KCBF commissioned 140 beneficiaries of the programme.
The beneficiaries will undergo their training at Mitunguu Technical Training Institute in courses such as Agribusiness, Automotive Engineering, Beauty and Personal Care, Building and Construction, Domestic Services, Information and Communication Technology among others.
The training is geared towards improving employability of the youth of Meru by providing them with marketable skills.
Governor Kiraitu said that the partnership with KCBF will see an additional 11 technical institutions in Meru being incorporated in the programme to train youths.
“We thank KCBF for being a loyal and true development partner and for playing a critical role in kick-starting the Meru Youth Service (MYS) in 2018 by injecting Shs 50 million into the project,’ the governor said.
He went on to say that over 600 youth were trained in various technical courses at Meru National Polytechnic and are now employed in both public and private sectors.
The new partnership comes barely months after the devolved unit recruited and supported over 150 street youths through Meru Youth Service (MYS).
The governor revealed that most of the youths trained through MYS are engaged by the
County Government of Meru to paint and face-lift public facilities across the county including the Meru Level 6 Hospital and Nyambene Level 4 Hospital.
‘The pioneer group is currently painting Muthara Level 4 Hospital. They are paid Shs 400 daily and provided with transport and lunch, ’Kiraitu said.
Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu called on youths to take advantage of the program and study diligently so that they can acquire the necessary skills and help themselves as well as their families and the society.
He also urged them to learn patience and other virtues so that they can create an honest and prosperous society.
Ms. Wanjeri applauded Governor Kiraitu saying that KCBF has recognized him as one of the few leaders in the country who have shown genuine interest and desire to address the challenges facing the youth.
