Emgwen MP, Josses Lelmengit, has called on the government to clarify its role in promoting labour mobility among the youth through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF).
Lelmengit sought a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection regarding the effectiveness of the Fund in addressing youth unemployment.
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund, established under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Arts, aims to empower young entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance, business training, and market linkages.
Targeting individuals aged 18 to 35, who make up approximately 29 million of the Kenyan population, the Fund is a key pillar in the government’s efforts to spur job creation and economic growth.
Despite these interventions, youth unemployment in Kenya remains a significant socio-economic challenge. Hon. Lelmengit emphasized that while the Fund plays a crucial role in supporting young entrepreneurs, its limited resources hinder its full potential. He called for enhanced budgetary allocation and broader access to financial support to ensure the initiative effectively tackles joblessness among the youth.
In his request, the MP sought a detailed report on, the total budgetary allocation for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund since its inception.
“Honourable Speaker, it is against this background that I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection on a report on the sensitisation programs, if any, undertaken or planned to be undertaken to enlighten the youth and the general population on the significance of the Fund,” he said.
; and the key challenges that have hindered the effective implementation of the programme since it was launched and steps taken to address the challenges,
He’s also seeking sensitization programs undertaken or planned to educate young people about the Fund’s opportunities.
Hon. Lelmengit underscored the urgent need for the government to assess and enhance the Fund’s efficiency, ensuring it effectively contributes to economic empowerment and sustainable job creation. His call for accountability and improvement aims to drive national growth while reducing poverty levels among the youth.
The request now awaits a response from the Departmental Committee on Social Protection, which is expected to provide clarity on the Fund’s performance and future strategies.
