Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga has urged unemployed young people to embrace creativity and develop income-generating ideas, saying innovation not lamenting will determine how Kenya overcomes its growing unemployment crisis.
Speaking at Kamukunji Grounds during the inaugural Nyeri Youth Summit, the Governor said government interventions alone cannot solve the crisis, and challenged youth to take initiative, seek opportunities, pitch ideas to employers and approach financial institutions for startup support.
He noted the county’s internship program can only absorb 200 youths annually, prompting the creation of the summit to link young people with employers, lenders and organisations offering capacity-building. Kahiga described the forum as a movement committed to nurturing talent, digital transformation and climate-resilient enterprises.
The County has set aside Sh3.5 million as seed support for the summit, with Kahiga urging partners to join in strengthening youth-driven innovation. He added that with nearly 30 percent of Nyeri’s population made up of young people, sustained investment is essential.
Kahiga reaffirmed that youth empowerment remains central to the county’s development agenda, citing initiatives such as AGPO, the Wezesha Fund and the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), which has disbursed more than Sh70 million to young entrepreneurs. More than 1,200 youth have also benefited from the Nyeri Internship Programme, with many securing long-term employment.
The Governor also called for stronger partnerships with private institutions, saying meaningful transformation requires joint effort from government, civil society, development organisations and the private sector.
He further highlighted rising online risks affecting youth, including cyberbullying, harassment and exploitation, which he warned have serious emotional and mental consequences. He encouraged victims to speak out and seek support rather than suffer in silence.
The two-day summit, themed “Ignite Your Potential: Youth Shaping Nyeri’s Tomorrow,” offered mentorship sessions, job linkages and innovation exhibitions, and is expected to close with a keynote address from the Governor focusing on enterprise, innovation and sustainable youth development.
