By Betty Luke
Kenyan youths have been encouraged to take up agribusiness opportunities as a way of improving their livelihoods and creating more job opportunities.
Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) Head of programs Mr Felix Magaju said only a few young people across the country had ventured in the sector which majority of youths perceive to be for the old people.
“Youths should embrace agriculture as a way to generate income and build resilience against climatic changes. They should look at Agribusiness as a way of earning alternative employment,” said Mr Magaju.
He lamented that majority of those who had expressed interest in the KCIC loans and grants had no physical businesses denying them the assistance.
“Many people who apply just want money but are not ready to allow us to walk them the journey to success of their business. It is important to take some steps no matter how little they may seem in implementing your ideas to stand a better chance of becoming our beneficiary,” he said.
The official spoke during a four-day training session meant to educate different groups of business people in Isiolo on the best practices for maximum productivity and profits.
Over 100 trainees drawn from Small and Medium Enterprises, Companies, Self Help Groups (SHG) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), are KCIC’s second cohort of their beneficiaries.
“We are supporting them through the mentorship boot hub to become market sustainable and sail through successfully,” said Mr Magaju.
He noted that there has been a delay in disbursing loans and grants to locals within Isiolo County due to the Sharia laws that restrict Muslim faithful from applying for loans.
“We are in the process of finalizing on Sharia compliant terms to ensure all our people benefit from the KCIC programs,” he maintained.
