Hanoi: Principal Secretary State Department for Interior and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo has outlined a coordinated programme to equip youth groups in Homa Bay County with practical skills to expand sustainable economic opportunities. The PS, who spoke in Odino location during a meeting with youth leaders representing nearly 600 youth groups from across the county, asked the officials to propose the enterprises their groups require for support.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program will operate under clear guidelines, including a defined maximum allocation for each group. Proposals will be evaluated before equipment and other resources are distributed. Dr. Omollo emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure that the available support benefits as many genuine groups as possible. Verification teams will visit communities where necessary to confirm the existence and needs of the identified groups.
The initiative will also promote technical education, practical training, and support for small-scale businesses. According to the PS, the government’s objective is to help young people establish sustainable livelihoods rather than provide temporary assistance. The PS stated the desire to give young people a practical starting point for building businesses, creating employment, and achieving economic independence.
On peace and security, the PS acknowledged the challenges affecting young people and called for closer cooperation between youth leaders, the county government, national government administrators, and security agencies. He urged youth leaders to work closely with young people, emphasizing that enforcement alone cannot solve every problem and that meaningful opportunities must be created.
The PS stated that security agencies must enforce the law fairly while treating young people with dignity. Youth leaders were also encouraged to promote discipline and discourage activities that threaten peace. He stressed the importance of unity among administration, security agencies, and youth leaders to protect peace while ensuring that young people are respected, heard, and supported.
Dr. Omollo further stressed that the empowerment programme would serve young people from every part of Homa Bay County, regardless of political affiliation. The initiative aims to unite young people rather than divide them based on political differences, ensuring they benefit from development opportunities.
The meeting also discussed countywide organisation and public participation, focusing on identifying gaps from the 2022 electoral figures and strengthening mobilisation in every constituency. The PS called for the involvement of young people, women, religious leaders, professionals, and community organisers.
The youth-empowerment programme will prioritise transparency, accountability, and coordination to ensure that all resources reach verified groups and deliver lasting economic benefits. The meeting was attended by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency Hon. Boyd Were, Homa Bay Women Representative Hon. Joyce Bensuda, Member of Parliament for Homa Bay Town Hon. Peter Kaluma, and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, among other leaders.
