Youth have been asked to pull together to pool transformative ideas, capitalize on available opportunities and to better overcome hurdles in their lives.

The youthful segment is currently grappling with social problems like uncertainties in their relationships, lack of employment opportunities and drugs.

The clarion call is a change of mindset and capitalizing on available opportunities. At least 100 youth attended a training and sensitization event organized by the County Department of Youth Affairs and the Internation Youth Fellowship, in Langas Ward on Thursday.

“The Department of youth affairs in partnership with other stakeholders is working to educate the youth on how well to maximize the available opportunities to tackle the challenges,” County Executive for Youth and Sports, Eng Lucy Ng’endo, says.

“Our sensitization programs feature business professionals talking on business start-ups, government officers speaking on tendering and talks on alcohol and substance abuse,” adds Eng Ng’endo.

Chief Officer for Youth Affairs, Nahum Jelagat, says the county has opportunities that youth need to pick. She highlighted the formation of groups to access government business loans as well as do business through the (Youth) Access to Government Procurement Opportunities. At least 30 per cent of government tenders are reserved for women and youth.

Isaack Paspas, the regional coordinator of IYF, used the analogy of the Red Wood, the world’s tallest and oldest tree. He said the tree does not have a prop root, but rather spread roots, an advantage that makes it withstand the strongest hurricanes. He also used the analogy of one ox that can pull 200kg, and two oxen pulling double the load, as a way to sensitize on working as a group.

“County programs like loans to groups and bursaries to get technical skills are meant to equip (youth) with necessary skills to start businesses or use their skills to earn their living,” said Bornes Melly, a youth officer. “So we hope you enrol into our vocational colleges and visit our offices to know more.”

Rachel Chelagat, a youth from Kiplombe said: “Nothing is limiting us (youth). We have the energy to do farming and the knowledge to use technology to better our various undertakings.”