NANYUKI — Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has called on the youth of Laikipia County to access over Sh30 million from various local funds designed to enhance their business ventures and educational opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, During a recent event in Nanyuki where an education scholarship program for needy students was launched, Governor Irungu highlighted the underutilization of resources like the Laikipia Enterprise Fund, Innovative Fund, and Laikipia Cooperative Revolving Fund. “Youth don’t stay home and lament that there are no bursaries for your education or for businesses. Come out and we will support you,” he encouraged attendees.
The Governor explained that these funds offer substantial financial support for young entrepreneurs, especially those who secure government tenders but lack the capital to finance them. “We have various categories of funds which youth should take advantage of; those who get tenders in our government and lack funds to finance, can use this kitty. All they need is to bring the LPO (Local Purchase Order) and get the money for the work,” said the county boss, noting that loans from these funds come with a 6 percent interest rate to facilitate smoother business operations and improve lives.
Additionally, Irungu urged business sector stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that unlock youth-led opportunities in the county. He also mentioned plans to work with technical vocational and training institutes (TVETs) to eliminate barriers preventing young people from enrolling in technical courses.
Paul Mwaniki, director of the Laikipia Skills and Technical Training Institute, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the critical issue of joblessness among the youth, which leads to a cycle of hopelessness. Mwaniki stressed the importance of technical education in enabling young individuals to create their own job opportunities.