Micro Small and Medium Enterprises PS Susan Mang'eni on Monday said the country is still grappling with the challenge to create job opportunities for youth.
She, however, said micro-small enterprises and small-medium enterprises hold a fresh ray of hope to economically leverage youth.
"The government is committed to making deliberate efforts to grow the youths economy through business and that is why it has opened so many financial taps for you," the PS said.
Mang'eni was speaking at Suneka, Kisii county during a visit to Bonchari Micro Business Centre.
At least 394,000 people from Kisii have benefited from the Hustler Fund, she said. This month alone more than Sh400 million has been disbursed.
"This slowly shows the zest among our people to embrace other ways to earn a living away from white-collar jobs," she said.
Mang'eni, however, challenged the youth to create more innovative startups even as they apply for the funds. The PS promised more money to help expand the facility in Suneka.
"With the land available we can expand this facility to accommodate more youth. I am hoping it is going to set an example of similar idea hatchery centres across the country," she said.
She spoke of the government's commitment to set up 200 affordable housing units in each constituency adding that this will go a long way in job creation among youth.
Fifty per cent of jobs from the construction will also go to women, the PS said and further promised to bring enablers in the form of equipment to help in production.
"It is from small beginnings that edifices are built," she said.
Bonchari MP Onchari Onchoke described the contentious Finance Bill 2023 as ambitious adding that the cost of living is not going to drop soon.
"We are not seeing the fiscal discipline to reign on promiscuous expenditure. You don't use a lot of money when you're in a difficult situation," he said.
