MSEA donates machines to empower youths in MSMEs
Some of the beneficiaries of the MSEA programme getting machines from Director General Mwenda Rithaa in Meru. Photo/Jeremiah Choge
The MSEA programme has benefited more than 30 Medium, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) Groups in Meru.
Several groups benefited from equipment such as sewing machines that were issued to three(3) groups, woodworking machines, car wash machines to eight(8) groups, and welding machines and grinders to eight(8) groups.
Other groups got salon and beauty equipment, plate compactors, and wood combination among others.
The Director General of MSEA Mwenda Rithaa urged youths to take full advantage of the programme.
He added that it is structured to support Medium, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted training and co-investment in machinery to enhance value chain competitiveness.
Mr Rithaa said his department is implementing the bottom-up development agenda practically.
“We want to see that boda boda riders and the likes of mama mboga make money that can sustain their families,” Mr Rithaa said.
He added: “We're here to ensure there's money in the pockets of every Kenyan. This business incubation is meant to create employment. We also offer technical skills to improve the productivity of small enterprises. The government wants mwananchi to succeed. Even those who didn't go to school have the opportunity to get skills and get free machines that would enable them make money.”
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, who was also accompanied by Imenti South sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Mary Mwangi, hailed the project as a transformative and a success programme to eradicate poverty.
"You're indeed a development-oriented leader. I'm very proud. President William Ruto has a bigger agenda to revolutionise every sector of the economy towards curbing poverty and supporting independence of young people. Those saying this government is doing nothing are enemies of development. There're many ongoing projects in Meru including the Affordable housing and markets that have employed many people from this region. Let's stop drug and substance abuse. Don't be cheated by political cons. Support President Ruto's government," Mr Ouma said.
County Executive Committee Member for Sports Elias Murega said young people have diverse challenges including drug and substance abuse, lack of exposure despite great talents, and unemployment among many others but as the current Sports CECM “there's hope”.
"We must shape National Youth Service (NYS) to develop the employability of our youths. We're proud of the partnership between the County Government of Meru and MSEA for the empowerment of Meru youths. We'll create more business incubation in partnership with the national government to grow and improve the lives of young people," Mr Murega said.
The MSEA project is part of the ongoing Mashinani Outreach Programme, aimed at deepening awareness of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative.
Area MP Shadrack Mwiti urged youths to proactively apply for support available through NYOTA, emphasizing the importance of young people embracing entrepreneurship to drive local economic transformation.
He (Mwiti) reiterated his commitment to transforming lives of young people.
Senator Kathuri Murungi in his speech delivered by his office Manager Ezechiel Mwambi and PA Douglas Gikunda during the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Grassroots sensitisation and capacity building, emphasized that his focus is on MSEA programmes and Distribution of common User Machines.
