Youth Empowerment Center Commissioned in Embakasi

Youth in Embakasi constituency are set to benefit from the services of a newly constructed youth empowerment centre funded by General Motors East Africa, to enable increased access to information and economic resources to better prepare them for the job market. The purpose of the centre is to occupy the youth in the area through vocational training, increased access to information as well as relevant technology transfer, in a bid to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS among the youth in the country. The center, valued at Kshs. 1.8 million, will further seek to facilitate the youth to develop their different talents through constant engagement in meaningful activities provided at the centre. Speaking at the handover event, General Motors East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe highlighted the need to respond to community needs by using resources to build establishments that can tap into the talents of the youth. “It is critical that the youth in this country are given the right space to access necessary information and resources to better shape their minds as they make a name for themselves.” Kavashe said, adding that the youth should make use of the institution that has been grounded for skills development. Embakasi Deputy District Commissioner Mr. P.K Mbugi applauded GMEA and PATH for the investment and encouraged youth in the area to utilize the centre to further their skills. “Our youth need to take advantage of this new centre and move away from constant frustration that not enough is being done to cater to their needs. Irresponsible sexual behaviors and drug and substance abuse should take a back seat and young people should instead learn transferable skills at this centre.” Mbugi added. The auto firm responded to a call by PATH, through the HIV-Free Generation/Kenya initiative, to establish a resource facility for the youth in Embakasi to exploit and gain technical skills to enable them to access the employment market or start their own businesses; while reducing the prevalence of the disease that is often transmitted through unprotected sexual activity when the youth are idle. Kenyans aged 15-24 have been identified as particularly vulnerable to HIV, sexually transmitted infections and related health issues. In a speech read on his behalf by Ms Katherine Musyoki, Director of Gender, Ministry of Devolution and Planning, at the hand over ceremony, Planning Principal Secretary, Eng. Peter Mangiti applauded GMEA and PATH for supporting government efforts through the establishment of the centre. “These centres be used for implementing youth-friendly programmes such as recreation, basic literacy, continued education for school leavers and eventually house a library, ICT Hub and a social hall,” Mangiti said, adding, “the government is creating new opportunities for the youth through establishing youth centres in every constituency.” Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has donated Kshs. 20,000 to offset internet and electricity services in the building while PATH committed to furnish the centre within the next few weeks. The centre, situated within the GMEA’s area of operation, was built on land provided by the Directorate of Youth. GM East Africa continues to commit resources through partnerships with, government, NGO’s and community based initiatives to support the success of the less privileged especially in the areas of education, health, environment and safety. AUTHOR:BEN GUMO AND SOURCES