Isiolo group starts youth project with Kazi Mtaani savings

A group of 20 youths working under the government’s Kazi Mtaani programme has warmed the hearts of many residents of Isiolo for starting a savings plan aimed at helping vulnerable families and youth empowerment.

Cognisant of the challenges that the youth continue to face while at home and the likelihood of them being lured into drug abuse and criminal activities, Next Generation Mfinyanzi Youth group has been undertaking sensitisation campaigns and encouraging young people to seize available job opportunities to cushion themselves against the harsh economic effects of Covid-19.

Each member of the group has been saving Sh1,500 monthly which they intend to use to start a poultry project and create a digital hub for job creation for local youths.

“We resolved to pool resources together for economic empowerment of the members and start various youth programmes meant to ensure that the youth are not lured into drug abuse or join terror groups,” the group’s chairman Boniface Muhuha told the Nation.

Mr Muhuha said their intention is to create jobs for at least 50 youths under each project for improved livelihoods and socio-economic empowerment.

The group, with members drawn from various communities in Isiolo and who are mainly college students, has been using part of the savings to buy sanitisers and sanitary pads for vulnerable families and school girls respectively.

Isiolo County Commissioner Herman Shambi on Monday held a two-hour meeting with the group and hailed its efforts in ensuring the youth are productive and challenged them to apply for government funds.

Apply for State funds

“I am impressed with the group and I will ensure concerned offices assist them get government funds so that they can empower and develop themselves,” Mr Shambi told journalists after the meeting at his office in Isiolo town.

Under the patronage of Ms Warima Muge, the youths have also been undertaking door-to-door sex education campaigns which are aimed at ending cases of teenage pregnancies among school girls.

“We want to remain a vibrant group after Kazi Mtaani engagement and be involved in more community programmes towards bettering Isiolo County,” said a member, Ms Kabale Gollo.

While many Kenyans continue to reel from effects of Covid-19, Ms Gollo insists that citizens must make the right financial decisions and adjust to the current situation by ensuring they save something from the little they earn.

Save for the future

“It is sad that a lot of people, particularly the youth, have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 but they should take advantage of available opportunities regardless of the pay and at least save something for the future,” she said.

Ms Warima challenged young people in the county to form groups and apply for government funds and stop over-reliance on formal jobs.

“There is need for local leaders and even well-wishers to support such innovative youths,” she said.

Another member of the group, Ms Veronica Wanjiru, said the Kazi Mtaani programme has helped cushion many youths from the biting effects of Covid-19 and helped them get their basic needs.

“We appreciate the government for the opportunity because most of us could have been lured into evil activities and that is why we are so passionate about assisting those with no jobs,” said Ms Wanjiru.