Elgeyo Marakwet County government has launched a Kes30 million youth empowerment program dubbed ‘Wezesha vijana’ to address youth unemployment.

The empowerment program is through a partnership between the County Government and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) where each partner gave Kes15 million.

Sports and Youth Affairs Director, Mike Mosi, noted that the program is intended to sponsor the youth to take technical courses at local training centres.

Speaking during the launch of the program at Kamwosor Social Hall in Keiyo south Sub County stated that after graduation the beneficiaries will be equipped with relevant tools of the trade which they will use to put their skills into practice and generate income thus reducing unemployment.

After graduation students are expected to form social groups and networks which they are expected to register to enable them to be eligible for tenders.

Chebara, Iten, Kiplabai, Chepkorio, Koitilial, Kapchorua and Chesongoch vocational training centres are some of the institutions earmarked for the program.

Masonry, Plumbing, Motor vehicle and Electrical engineering are on the list of courses open to those who wish to be enrolled on the vocational training centres.

County Executive Committee member for youth affairs, Purity Koima urged the youth to utilize the initiative to better their lives.