Thousands of youths in Kisii, Migori and Nyamira counties have received financial support from the government under a youth empowerment initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting entrepreneurship.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the program has reached more than 8,000 beneficiaries in the three counties during the second phase of disbursement.

He revealed that over 2,000 beneficiaries are joining the program for the first time, while more than 6,000 are receiving their second allocation of funds.

Ogamba explained that every beneficiary receives Sh50,000, where Sh6,000 is set aside as savings and Sh44,000 is used for business development.

“The support we are giving them is to give them a chance to grow economically,” he said.

The CS noted that the initiative is specifically targeting youths aged up to 29 years and extends to 35 years for persons living with disabilities.

He further stated that the beneficiaries are mainly young people with education levels of Form Four and below, with the government seeking to give them a fresh opportunity to improve their lives.

Ogamba said that the government has already distributed a total of Sh3 billion to 122,000 youths across the country through the program.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of young people.

“This is the second tranche involving about 8,000 people, and it is a life-changing program,” said Wandayi.

He urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to start and expand businesses that will improve their economic status and create more opportunities within their communities.