Youth in Vihiga County are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through modern agricultural practices and improved market access.
The Financial Inclusion for Youth in Modern Agriculture (FIYMA) programme, currently operational in 32 counties across Kenya, is partnering with local stakeholders to support young people aged 18 to 35. The five-year initiative, launched in November last year, aims to reach at least 100,000 youth through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Gambogi on Wednesday, FIYMA Programme Manager, Monica Gachucha, said the initiative is designed to equip young people with practical income-generating skills, particularly in agriculture.
ALSO READ: PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES RABIU ABDULLAHI UMAR AS NMDPRA CHIEF EXECUTIVE
“We are offering solutions by identifying business opportunities for the youth and guiding them on how to develop viable business models. This will be achieved through structured training and continuous monitoring,” she stated.
Gachucha added that the programme will also identify key market actors to support young entrepreneurs in commercializing their ideas and ventures.
FIYMA is further targeting partnerships with at least 50 SACCOs, with the goal of creating up to 250,000 jobs for young people over the programme’s duration.
The meeting brought together several organizations already engaged in youth empowerment, including Practical Action, Tunza Programme, SOFDI, Cereals Growers Association, Yara East Africa, Bio Gardening Information, and Agro Africa Organization.
The partners pledged to collaborate by sharing data, linking programmes, and expanding outreach to ensure more youth benefit before the programme concludes. They also emphasized inclusivity, committing to ensure vulnerable groups, including refugees and persons living with disabilities, are not left behind.
Vihiga County Chief Officer, Betty Mulianga, advised stakeholders to align their programmes with the county’s financial year calendar to improve planning and implementation.
Meanwhile, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Julius Maruja, commended the initiative and urged stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches in transforming the agricultural sector.
“We must rethink agriculture and focus on what each of us can do to transform the sector. The county government is ready to work with all partners to achieve the shared vision of empowering our youth,” he said.
Maruja also called on stakeholders to uphold Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, particularly the right to adequate food, in the implementation of their programmes.
Other officials present included County Director of Agriculture Reuben Chumba, Director of Veterinary Services Darlington Kadenge, and the County Project Coordinator for NAVCDP, among others.
