By Gerald Mukembu
The MSEA program has benefited more than 30 Micro and Small Enterprises Groups in Meru.
Several groups benefited from equipment such as sewing machines that were issued to three groups, woodworking machines, car wash machines to eight groups and welding machines, grinders to eight groups, Salon and Beauty Equipment, Plate Compactors, Wood combination among others.
The Director General of MSEA, Mwenda Ridhaa urged youths to take full advantage of the program adding that it is structured to support Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through targeted training and co-investment in machinery to enhance value chain competitiveness.
Some of the beneficiaries of the MSEA program get a machine from director General Mwenda Rithaa in Meru.
Rithaa said his department is implementing the bottom-up development agenda practically.
“We want to see that bodaboda, mama mboga people make money and be able to sustain their families, we are here to ensure there is money in the pockets of every Kenyan. This business incubation is meant to create employment. We also offer technical skills to improve the productivity of small enterprises. The government wants Mwananchi to succeed. Even those who did not go to school have the opportunity to get skills and get free machines to make them make money,” Rithaa said.
County Commissioner Jacob Ouma who was also accompanied by Imenti South sub–County Deputy County commissioner Mary Mwangi hailed the project as a transformative and a success program to eradicate poverty.
“You are a true development-oriented leader. I am very proud. President William Ruto has a bigger agenda to revolutionize every sector of the economy towards curbing poverty and independence of young people. To those who are saying this government is doing nothing is an enemy of development. There are many ongoing projects in Meru including the Affordable housing and markets that have employed many Meru young people. Let’s stop drug and substance abuse. Don’t be cheated by political cons. Support President Ruto’s government,” Ouma said.
County Executive Committee Member for Sports Elias Murega said young people have diverse challenges including drug and substance abuse, lack of exposure despite great talents, unemployment among many others but as the current Sports CECM there is hope.
“We must return MYS to develop the employability of our youths. We are proud of the partnership between the County government and MSEA for the empowerment of Meru youths. We will create more business incubation in partnership with the national government to grow and improve the lives of young people,” Murega said
The MSEA project is part of the ongoing Mashinani Outreach Programme, aimed at deepening awareness of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative.
In a speech from area Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi delivered by his office Manager Ezechiel Mwambi and PA Douglas Gikunda during the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Grassroot Sensitization and Capacity Building on MSEA program and Distribution of common User Machines, Kathuri reiterated his commitment to transforming lives of young people.
Area MP Shadrack Mwiti urged youths to proactively apply for support available through NYOTA, emphasizing the importance of young people embracing entrepreneurship to drive local economic transformation.
