Plan to create jobs for youth launched

A plan to create 13,000 jobs for youth and women in the next four months was launched on Tuesday.

Over Sh102 million has been set aside to distribute to the youth and women via the Uwezo fund. The cash will be used to put up kiosks to sell Coca Cola beverages and other products.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru said the money would be distributed using the same mechanism as the Uwezo fund.

“The funds will be given to the youth and women who have applied for Uwezo Fund,” she said.

The money would be a grant and those who get it will not repay.

“We will then provide start-up capital and sales equipment such as ice-boxes,” said Coca Cola’s general manager for East Africa Peter Njonjo.

Those who get the capital will sell Coca Cola beverages before selling other basic commodities.

Ms Waigiru guaranteed that the ministry would make sure youth and women living in the country’s marginalised areas have equal access to the money as those in Nairobi.

Mr Njonjo said successful applicants would be trained on financial and business skills and get mentorship support for six weeks at no cost.

They will also receive mentors for a smooth transition into sustainable employment.

“We want to knock down the most common barriers women and youth face in business,” said Mr Njonjo.