Over Sh. 17 M set aside for Youth Start-Up, Innovation Challenge

Kisumu,

Tuesday, September, 26 2023,

KNA By Rolex Omondi and Robert Ojwang

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has unveiled a business idea generation competition seeking to transform the socio-economic lives of the youth from the grassroots.

The innovative initiative dubbed, ‘Plug Mtaani-Vijana 2Invest,’ is a program designed to identify, nurture, and sustain the talents of young entrepreneurs to be productive and competitive.

“At the end of this competition open to youth between the ages of 18 to 35, the program will award the best business case with Sh10 million as startup capital with first and second runners up getting Sh 5 million and Sh.2 million respectively at the national level,’’ Prof. Nyong’o said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili during the programs’ launch in Kisumu City on Monday, Nyong’o stressed that it will create sustainable jobs by imparting the young generation with requisite soft skills and business development plans training.

The competitions also aimed at fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and determination among the youth.

Prof. Nyong’o assured that his government would recognize the best performers at the county level by awarding the overall winner and two runners-up with Sh.50,000, 40,000, and 30,000 respectively. In addition, all 41 youth qualifiers from the 8 Sub-Counties in Kisumu will also receive Sh20,000 each.

The 10-year program being jointly undertaken by various stakeholders comprising of Ken Investment Authority, MasterCard, Radico Kenya, Institute of Certified Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB), Trainers and Crescent 360 Media targets to build capacity for 200 youths at the county level through the much-needed training like how to generate feasible and innovative business ideas.

“The youth-centered program will also develop bankable business plans, link them with financing opportunities, grants, and investors, and create a saving and investment culture,’’ Prof. Nyong’o reiterated.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Plug Mani Coordinator, Mr. Geoffrey Kilonzo, who urged the young people not to sleep on their ideas but to step up and be noticed.

“We are rolling out this competition in the 47 counties and we are looking for innovation, and creativity and identify gaps in the youth businesses. Visit our website and upload a minute video telling us your business idea and how you intend to fill the market gaps,’’ Kilonzo stated.

He further advised that applicants need to develop innovations that tackle the climate crisis by modeling business ideas that help conserve the environment.

Kilonzo who is also an International Labour Organization (ILO) Master Trainer said that applicants will be shortlisted, trained in boot camps, and final winning pitches picked by the judges.

 “Even if you do not win the cash prize the shortlisted applicants will be empowered to enable you to start a business. There are partners who are ready to walk with you. We have the Youth Funds, Uwezo Funds, and several banking institutions who are ready to walk with you,’’ he stated.

The sectors invited by the County Government to register for the business competition include; the Blue Economy, Agriculture and agribusiness, Manufacturing and Value Addition, Information Technology and Digital Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Conservation, Trade, Transport and Logistics, and Tourism and hospitality.

The county boss made a clarion call to the youth in the region to plug into the innovative opportunity and be part of the County's development and transformative agenda as they define their destiny. 

Courtesy; KNA