Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has credited Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru for inspiring key projects in his county, including aspects of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS), which saw 726 trainees graduate in its 3rd cohort.
The program is designed to address youth unemployment, equip young people with skills and financial support to set them on a path of economic independence.
During the graduation ceremony held at Kimorori Grounds, Kang’ata acknowledged that several of his flagship projects were inspired by Governor Waiguru’s leadership in Kirinyaga.
“I have gotten a lot of inspiration from Governor Waiguru as far as development is concerned. She has built a state-of-the-art medical complex at Kerugoya Level 5, and I applied the same idea here in Murang’a by building a new medical facility,” he said.
He highlighted how he also borrowed ideas from Kirinyaga’s urban development projects to improve infrastructure in Murang’a.
“In our smart city program, we initially tarmacked roads in towns such as Kenol, Maragua, Kabati, and Gatura, but now we are installing cabro blocks, an idea I borrowed from Kagio and other towns in Kirinyaga. We don’t have a monopoly on ideas; we all learn and borrow great ideas from each other and I can tell you, Governor Waiguru has done a good job. You are an inspiration, and you are hardworking.” Kang’ata said about his colleague governor.
Oh her part, Waiguru lauded the Kang’ata’s MYS initiative emphasizing its transformative impact on Murang’a County.
“This initiative by Governor Kang’ata is a game-changer in addressing the high youth unemployment rate in Kenya. It is proof that devolution works when leaders prioritize the right programs,” she said.
She noted that the program’s unique approach of ensuring that both the youth and their parents benefit financially is remarkable and will go a long way in easing economic burden, emphasizing on the need for counties to learn from each other.
MYS enrolls 30 youths per ward through a transparent ballot process conducted at the Chief’s camp and runs for two months before the trainees transition to TVET institutions for four months of specialized training.
Each youth is paid Ksh. 400 per day, with Ksh. 300 going to their personal account and Ksh. 100 sent to their parents through M-Pesa.
Upon graduation, beneficiaries receive Ksh. 15,000 to help them establish themselves in their respective trades, and the county covers their business license fees for one year.
Present in the event were Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and members of county assembly among other leaders.
Since its inception, the Murang’a Youth Service has enrolled five cohorts, benefiting over 5,600 young people.
