• The Ajiry Centre is geared towards promoting opportunities for the youth
• It adds to 10 Ajiry centres that have been launched across the country
Image: TONY WAFULA
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has launched Ajiry Centre, which he says will help the youth get jobs and nurture talents.
Speaking to the press in Bungoma town on Wednesday, he said Ajiry is a web-based application that will help job seekers and employers to connect and network.
“This platform will allow employers to offer short-term contracts or employment opportunities to the youths,” Lusaka said.
The Ajiry website has a feature, ‘My Hustle’, which allows users to showcase their talents and sell their products online.
Lusaka called on the youth to put the centre to prudent use.
“The programme is geared towards the promotion of opportunities that effectively engage young people in work that challenges them to develop skills, gain critical awareness and train mental health,” he said.
The Ajiry programme has a combined effort with the aim of contributing to the Kenya Kwanza government’s economic growth.
"Currently, we are in the situation where the young population is greater than the job opportunities. Therefore, the Ajiry programme will help tackle the crisis,” Lusaka said.
The centre also seeks to help youth with mental health, the governor said, adding that it is in line with the creation of employment for individuals, small businesses and startups.
He said Ajiry will not only create a youth movement but also create an impact across the country.
“My desire as the governor is to uplift the social and economic welfare of the people of Bungoma by creating opportunities that will allow youths to earn a living in a dignified manner,” he said.
The county boss praised the organisations that joined the county government in coming up with the Ajiry idea, adding that 10 Ajiry centres have already been launched across the country.
“The centre will help create awareness among the youth in Bungoma county to enable themselves to take advantage of the emerging opportunities," Lusaka said.
Gender executive Agnes Wachiye told the Star the centre will be used to empower the youth.
The initiative will also help the youths participate fully in the digital economy and expose them to job opportunities and online market, she said.
She added that the Ajiry web has more than 50,000 job opportunities.
The executive said the Ajiry Centre in Bungoma will have a music studio that will nurture talents for upcoming artistes.