KIAMBU, Kenya — In an ambitious move to tackle the escalating issue of youth unemployment, Kiambu County government has announced plans to organize a significant employers’ summit targeting young people. This initiative is set to bridge the gap between growing businesses and the need for more inclusive job opportunities within the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the upcoming Kiambu Employers Summit is designed to stimulate dialogue and partnership among various stakeholders, including local businesses, government officials, and nonprofit organizations. This collaborative effort aims to explore sustainable solutions across sectors such as digital technology, entrepreneurship, and green economy, emphasizing the enhancement of trade and investment in the county.
Ali Osman, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth Affairs, Sports, and Communication, highlighted during a preparatory meeting that the event would focus on fortifying these sectors to offer meaningful and substantial employment opportunities to Kiambu’s youth. Kevin Osido from CGW pointed out the critical issue at hand: despite the presence of over 1600 companies in Kiambu, job opportunities for local youth remain scarce, often benefiting outsiders instead.
Wendy Aura, founder of Young Women Leaders Connect, reinforced CGW’s concerns and commended the county government’s initiative to involve young individuals in addressing unemployment. Aura stressed that joblessness among youth not only affects economic stability but also contributes to broader societal issues, such as increased drug use and mental health challenges.
The summit, resulting from a partnership between the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, CGW, and Young Women Leaders Connect, is expected to offer innovative approaches and practical solutions to overcome systemic barriers to employment for Kiambu’s youth. This event marks a crucial step towards engaging the county’s young population in productive and sustainable economic activities.