President William Ruto pledged additional support to a woman entrepreneur during a Nyota Fund distribution event at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County after the woman fell to her knees pleading for help.
According to the woman, she had previously operated a clothing business but was forced to close it. After the closure, she planned to sell t-shirts and school uniforms for students, but abandoned the idea after most students had returned to school.
With the Nyota Fund support, she planned to start a new clothing business focusing on apparel for newborn babies. However, after being promised additional funds, she pitched his idea of starting a laundromat in her village because she saw a gap and wanted to fill it.
“I have plans to start a laundromat because no one in our locality has ventured into it,” she stated.
After listening to her idea, President Ruto confirmed that the county governor had agreed to waive the business license requirements for her new venture. He also stated that mentorship would be provided to ensure the business operates effectively.
“The governor has promised to waive the business license for you so that you can operate. We will also mentor you to ensure your business does not fail,” he stated
During the same engagement, Ruto announced a funding model targeting 90,000 Kenyan youth who did not complete their education. He stated that the government will provide KSh 36,000 to each beneficiary to support the acquisition of hands-on, practical aimed at enabling youth to generate income.
He said the funding will cater for training costs as well as examination fees to allow participants to obtain certification in their respective abilities.
The President further noted that the new model will be launched on the Hustler Fund platform through the *254# service. However, youth who have already qualified for the Nyota Fund will not be eligible to participate in the new programme.
“We are looking for 90,000 youth whom we want to equip with abilities. We will support you with Ksh 36,000 to attend a course and also pay for your exams so that you can get certificates to show that you have the abilities to help you in life,” he stated.
He encouraged unemployed youth interested in trades such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and other vocational know-how to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Head of State also informed the youth about ongoing government efforts to secure employment opportunities abroad through the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System.