County departments to set aside tenders for the youth

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has directed all Departmental heads in the county to set aside several tenders for the youth to develop themselves.The Governor pointed out that all youths in organised groups in Machakos will be granted Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), which will provide access to funding and encourage entrepreneurship among the youth.Wavinya emphasised her government's commitment to empowering Machakos youths during a public participation forum on proposed amendments to the Machakos Youth Empowerment Act 2022 in Athi River and Machakos Sub-counties.She added that the Public participation forum intends to gather the views and opinions of young people regarding the proposed amendment as it awaits acceptance by the County Assembly. 'I am here to discuss the proposed changes to the Machakos Youth Empowerment Act in response to the new march to better governance,' said the governor.The Governor noted that they plan to set up Machakos Youth Service (MYS), where, throu gh mobilisation by the Ward administrators across the county, youths will be trained in various disciplines and acquire skills to advance themselves and their communities.'The establishment of MYS will lead to the formation of the County Youth Empowerment Fund, the Machakos County Council with two representatives from every ward, youth centres in every sub-county, and an Annual youth conference by MYS,' added Wavinya.Additionally, she revealed the key initiatives for the youths are enhancing social-economic capacities, promoting governance participation, fostering entrepreneurship, unlocking youth potential, providing financial support, and improving access to education in Machakos.The governor is set to host Public participation forums throughout the week in other sub-counties, such as Mwala, Matungulu, Kathiani, Kangundo and Kalama as she continues to gather youth's opinions on the proposed amendments.Source : Kenya News Agency