State to spend Sh30 billion on youth empowerment

Kenya: The Government will spend Sh30 billion in the next financial year to promote youth and marginalised groups in its procurement programme, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru has said.

Speaking at Mount Kenya University at the weekend where she gave a public lecture on youth empowerment and devolution, Ms Waiguru said the Government’s 30 per cent reservations of State tenders and contracts to the youth can empower the youth if well embraced.

She said the Government has put necessary measures to ensure the youth take up opportunities.

“This is happening in the areas of financial assistance programmes, internship programmes, social transformation through the National Youth Service and more efficient access to public services through Huduma Kenya,” said Waiguru.

The CS said the youth, women and people living with disabilities have so far accessed Sh9.4 billion in the first two quarters of the 2014-2015 financial year adding that the amount is expected to hit Sh30 billion in the next financial year. She advised the youth to register their businesses and make sure they obtain an Access Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) certificate so that they can be able to do business with the Government.

“It is easier for the youth to access AGPO since its certification is now available at various counties and Huduma centres thus making it easier for the youth to access it,” Waiguru said.