Tana River County youth are the latest beneficiaries of the School‘s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the county received an assortment of Information Communication and Technology equipment to furnish the upcoming Empowerment and Innovation Center.
The Centre replicates the one in Isiolo County which was launched last year as a platform for knowledge, information dissemination and provision of a safe space for young people.
Governor Dhadho Godhana while receiving the equipment at KSG Lower Kabete last Thursday took cognizance of the profile of the youth as energetic and consisting a potential labour force in the country. The County boss recommended engagement of the youth in effective strategies for creating job opportunities underscoring the need to participate in revenue generating ventures.
He indicated that the County Government of Tana River is in the process of developing an action plan to accelerate implementation of skill growth development goals through the Youth Innovation Centers.
“This day, therefore, marks a very important occasion for Tana River County to join in seeking to involve youth in economic activities though innovation,” the Governor stated.
UNDP Kenya Resident Representative, Mr. Walid Badawi, expressed that that the Centre is critical for youth input in development. “As we build Tana River Youth Innovation Centre there will be a link to Sustainable Development Goal accelerators that foster sustainability. UNDP is looking to be systematically integrated within a wider eco-system in the country,” Mr. Badawi added.
During the handover ceremony, the UNDP representative accentuated significance of the ICT equipment for increase of computer literacy, information dissemination, employability skills, including online job opportunities and accessibility to global jobs market.
Further, he said, the equipment will enhance and facilitate the AJIRA digital training platform by creating a safer platform for youth to interact as they enhance their creative art.
The National Youth Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roy Sasaka, on the other hand pointed out that the government prioritizes development of policies on youth economic empowerment to create prospects and provide young people with requisite skills to secure decent work.
“The ICT equipment donated to the Tana River County Youth Innovation Centre will enable the youth to learn entrepreneurship and build their creativity and in the progress live a decent live,” Mr. Sasaka affirmed.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer Council of Governors, Ms. Mary Mwiti, recommended exploration of the potential of the youth. “I am committed to say that this project will be a game changer for youth in Tana River County as they embrace technology,” said Ms. Mwiti.
Kenya School of Government Director of Finance and Administration Prof. Nura Mohamed, has lauded collaborations between the government and development partners to bring closer the vision of youth empowerment by creating learning prospects. “We are proud to be associated with Tana River for we have conducted a number of capacity building programs for the County. Our focus is to contribute to public service transformation as mandated by the KSG Act.”
The Director further expounded that youth empowerment is a critical pillar supported by KSG. “Plans are underway for programs on mentorship and coaching to introduce the youth to employment. This necessitated the youth innovation center as a model in Isiolo County through the support of UNDP. We are grateful that you believed in the process.”
