Since the Muranga Youth Service Program was established by the Murang’a County Government last year, Hon. Morris Thuku-Ngunu, the MCA for Kiru Ward, recognized its immense potential to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in his area. Undeterred by the challenges, he took it upon himself to be a driving force behind the program’s successful implementation in Kiru ward.
Hon. Morris notes that the high rates of youth unemployment were not just statistics but a reality that threatened to derail the dreams and aspirations of Kiru’s young residents. With a deep commitment to uplifting his community, he rallied stakeholders and coordinated efforts to ensure the program’s equitable rollout in the ward.
Through his oversight, each cohort in Kiru has recruited 35 youth participants through open balloting exercises conducted at the chief’s camp. This transparent process has ensured that every interested young person has a fair chance of being selected for the life-changing opportunity.
Once recruited, these young men and women have been actively engaged in various community service tasks, such as cleaning markets, unclogging drainage systems, and environmental conservation activities. Their efforts not only contribute to the betterment of the ward but also provide them with a source of income through weekly stipends.
However, Hon. Morris’ vision extends far beyond temporary employment. According to Hon. Morris, true empowerment lies in equipping the youth with sustainable skills and resources. Upon completing their community service, participants are enrolled in fully-sponsored vocational courses of their choice, allowing them to acquire practical skills that can open doors to entrepreneurial opportunities.
In the initiator’s plans, each participant receives Ksh 15,000 in seed capital upon graduating from their vocational training. This financial support serves as a launchpad for these ambitious young individuals to establish their own income-generating projects, enabling them to become self-sufficient and contribute to the local economy.
With the third cohort now actively engaged in cleaning up Kiriaini town, the impact of Hon. Morris’ tireless efforts is evident. The program has become a beacon of hope for Kiru’s youth, offering them a pathway to a brighter future through employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
Hon. Morris continues to urge all young people in Kiru to seize this opportunity and take full advantage of the program. His office remains open, welcoming proposals and ideas on how to further empower the ward’s youth, who are the future of this great community.