Mandago urges youth to exploit chances in Agribusiness.
Youth in Uasin Gishu County have been urged to make use of emerging economic empowerment opportunities in agri-business.
Speaking on Wednesday, after signing an agreement with Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, Governor Jackson Mandago said there are several programs that are centered around agri-business and which seek to empower the generation on smart farming.
“Currently, there are organisations, including government institutions that are focused on helping the young generation to venture into smart agriculture,” said Mandago.
“The youth need to take advantage of these programs for economic empowerment,” he adds.
Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno also present, said such programs are solutions to the problem of youth unemployment. “Once you pick these farming practises, you will not be waiting for employment opportunities but rather creating jobs.”
Kenya Climate Innovation Centre CEO Dr Edward Mungai thanked the County Government of Uasin Gishu for hosting the program at Chebororwa ATC and availing officers from the department of Agriculture to work with his organisation.
“ KCIC shall work closely with agricultural officers to help interested youth build capacity and turn their ideas into innovative programs that can be funded,” said Dr Mungai.
The partnership will see Uasin Gishu youth compete on a first- come- first -served basis for a share of Sh 2 billion grant sponsored by The European Union and the Danish Government.
Uasin Gishu County is among six other counties which will benefit from this grant.
Also present at the meeting were County Executives Samwel Yego (Agriculture), CPA Julius Ruto (Finance), Chief Officer for Agriculture, Julius Rotich, County Attorney, Stephen Lel.