Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has pledged to create job opportunities for the youth.
Kinyanjui on Monday said that if industries are able to grow then youths are able to get jobs and create wealth.
He was speaking when he took over office from his predecessor Salim Mvurya.
The handover ceremony took
place at the NSSF Building and was attended by senior officials from the ministry.
Kinyanjui said he will work closely with the outgoing CS Mvurya and other officials in the ministry to ensure he achieves government objectives.
He acknowledged the fact some companies are likely to be closed, especially with the current growth in the use of technology.
He however challenged the media to ensure positive reporting on the situation and give hope in the messages delivered to the public.
“Internal reforms are to be instituted in companies to ensure they can meet their challenges and survive the diversity in the modern industry influenced by the new technology and AI today,” Kinyanjui said.
He said the government will create opportunities to ensure the sustainability of existing industries for them to grow.
He said the government will open new markets to allow industries to thrive as new ideas are brought in.
This, Kinyanjui said, will in turn create many forms of employment, especially for the struggling young population.
"The already existing industries need to be able to provide quality goods. The government is to ensure the goods are of high standards before being sold," Kinyanjui said.
Kinjanyui said an open-door policy will be employed for consultation from the public and fourth estate members to deal with issues that are grey areas for potential growth.
Kinyanjui said the government will educate Kenyans so as the be able to deal with opportunities presented to them.
On his part, Mvurya called on his successor to ensure pending projects are completed.
“One critical initiative is the rural industrialisation programme through the county aggregation and industrial parks,” Mvurya said.
Mvurya acknowledged the need to mentor the youth, saying he wanted them to go through mentorship programmes to have direction as they create wealth through new businesses.
