Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has highlighted programmes that the government is undertaking to address the challenges of unemployment and the youth bulge.
Murkomen said unemployment had risen to alarming levels due to the youth bulge, but assured that the government’s concerted efforts would tackle the challenge.
Speaking in Machakos during a Town Hall security meeting dubbed ‘Jukwaa La Usalama’ yesterday, the Interior CS said the Kenya Kwanza government campaigned on the platform of job creation for the youths and was keen on addressing the issue through various programmes such as imparting skills through TVET institutions, digital hubs, Kazi Mtaani, the Affordable Housing programme, and internships.
“There’s a serious unemployment challenge among the youth. You will likely get thousands of applications if you advertise for one vacancy. His Excellency the President William Ruto, campaigned on this platform, and the government is addressing this through various programmes,” said Murkomen.
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He said, unfortunately, some people had taken advantage of the challenge of unemployment to exploit the youth and engage them in criminal activities.
The CS called for a national conversation with the youth, geared towards taking action on the issues raised by the youth.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Deputy Francis Mwangangi, who attended the meeting, said the County and the National Government were obliged to work together for the people’s benefit.
“I love my people, and I will support anything that can be done to help them,” said Ndeti.
She commended the ‘Jukwaa La Usalama’ initiative as one way of learning about the challenges afflicting the people at the grassroots.
By Stephen Muthini.
