The Principal Secretary State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Friday outlined a coordinated programme to equip youth groups with practical tools, strengthen technical skills and expand sustainable economic opportunities across Homa Bay County.
The PS spoke during a meeting with youth leaders representing nearly 600 groups from across the county.
The PS asked every representative to consult their members before proposing the enterprise support their group requires.
“You are here on behalf of your members, not on your own. Consult them, agree on the enterprise that best serves the group and report back,” the PS said.
The programme will operate under clear guidelines, including a defined maximum allocation for each group. Proposals will be evaluated before equipment and other resources are distributed.
“We do not have unlimited time or resources. We must therefore work within clear guidelines and ensure that the available support benefits as many genuine groups as possible,” the PS said.
The PS added that verification teams would visit communities where necessary to confirm the existence and needs of the identified groups.
The initiative will also promote technical education, practical training and support for small-scale businesses. According to the PS, the government’s objective is to help young people establish sustainable livelihoods rather than provide temporary assistance.
“We want to give our young people a practical starting point. They should use this support to build businesses, create employment and become economically independent,” the PS said.
Addressing peace and security, the PS acknowledged the challenges affecting young people and called for closer cooperation between youth leaders, the county government, national government administrators and security agencies.
“The Regional Commissioner is here. We know there is a challenge with our young people, and we have agreed that, going forward, there are things we are not going to tolerate,” the PS said.
“We will support you, but we also want you and your team to work closely with these young people. Enforcement alone cannot solve every problem. We must engage them, guide them and create meaningful opportunities for them.”
The PS said security agencies must enforce the law fairly and professionally while treating young people with dignity. Youth leaders were also urged to promote discipline, discourage activities that threaten peace and direct their members towards productive ventures.
“Our administration, security agencies and youth leaders must operate as one team. We must protect peace while ensuring that our young people are respected, heard and supported,” the PS said.
The PS further stressed that the empowerment programme would serve young people from every part of Homa Bay County, regardless of their political affiliation.
“This initiative is for every young person in Homa Bay. Political differences must never divide our youth or prevent them from benefiting from development opportunities,” the PS said.
The meeting also discussed countywide organisation and public participation, including identifying gaps from the 2022 electoral figures and strengthening mobilisation in every constituency. The PS called for the involvement of young people, women, religious leaders, professionals and community organisers.
The youth-empowerment programme will prioritise transparency, accountability and coordination to ensure that all resources reach verified groups and deliverlasting economic benefits.
The meeting was also attended by HomaBay Governor Gladys Wanga, Member of Parliament Kasipul Constituency Boyd Were, HomaBay Women Representative Joyce Bensuda, Member of Parliament HomaBay Town Peter Kaluma and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha among other leaders.
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