Posted: February 19, 2017
We are glad to have partnered with the ministry of public service, youth and gender affairs directorate of youth affairs and the county government of Kisumu in making the International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations held in Kisumu today a success. This day is dedicated to focusing on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable production and consumption all over the world .
In Kenya specifically International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ energy, innovations, initiatives and dynamism. It exposes their potential and abilities as well as their contributions to development in their immediate society and the global community. In essence, IYD provides a platform for the youth to highlight their role and impact they can make in their global society. The hope is to engage youth and cultivate their increased positive contributions to their communities.
According to Sicily Kariuki, the cabinet secretary for youth and gender affairs in the ministry of public service, approximately 800,000 young Kenyans enter the labor market every year and youth unemployment is estimated to be as high as 35% compared to the overall national employment rate of 10%.
This year’s theme is enhancing demographic dividend for Kenyan youth through sustainable development goals and the International Youth Day has provided a platform for the youth to showcase innovations, best practices, challenges and policy towards improving situations of the youth at County and National level.
The Youth will be engaging in exhibitions, trade fair, sharing experiences and expertise through showcasing youth innovation and creativity using various institutions in the areas of enterprise development. They will also be accessing Business Development Services, credit and financial advice and potential for wealth creation. This opportunity will help them network and market their products and services hence promote entrepreneurship development in Kenya and create employment in the long run.