This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
On 1st July 2020, Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Joe Mucheru, launched the National Youth Service Strategic Plan 2019-2023 at NYS Headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
During the launch, Mucheru emphasized the importance of young people developing market-friendly innovations, reiterating the government's commitment to supporting such initiatives.
He noted that technology has changed the way business is done worldwide and advised youths to take advantage of the Covid-19 situation to reposition themselves virtually with ideas that are easily marketable and profitable.
According to Mucheru, the government has established various programs, such as the Ajira Programme, and resources to support the development of innovative ideas.
“The government is committed to helping young people secure employment and be empowered. All they need to do is to show interest and come up with ideas,” he added.
Present at the launch were Public Service Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia, Public Service Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh, and other dignitaries from Uwezo Fund and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Prof. Kobia lauded the NYS Council for developing the plan and called for its full implementation, stating that drafting the plan is only 10 percent, and its success relies on the 90 percent through its implementation.
She also decried the increase of Gender-Based Violence during the Covid-19 pandemic and called on relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate preventive efforts are made to reduce the rate.
“It’s not about how many people are affected by this. It’s about that one girl who falls pregnant and her future curtailed by her situation,” said Prof. Kobia, adding that her ministry is keen in ensuring that solutions are found urgently.
