At least 902 youth across Uasin Gishu County are set to benefit from an expanded initiative designed to empower the young generation through hands-on work experience.

The County Government of Uasin Gishu is offering opportunities to students from tertiary institutions and universities to gain the practical exposure they need for future employment.

Speaking during a youth career fair in Eldoret, County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Robert Kemei, emphasized the administration’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment by equipping young people with real-world experience.

“We understand that experience is crucial for employment, and we are working to bridge that gap,” said Mr. Kemei, adding that the administration of Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim is focused on building a strong foundation to make the youth more competitive in the job market.

He noted that the 902 beneficiaries will be placed across various sectors within the county to ensure broad-based exposure and skill-building.

Beyond internships, the CECM outlined other ongoing empowerment strategies. These include mentorship and training programs, allocation of tenders through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) initiative, sports tournaments to nurture talent, and the rollout of free Wi-Fi hotspots to expand digital access. Youth affairs is the fifth pillar in Dr. Bii’s manifesto.

County Chief Officer for Youth Affairs, CPA Victorine Kapkiai, confirmed that the department has already begun implementing empowerment and training sessions in partnership with various organizations.

She explained that the provision of Wi-Fi hotspots is part of a broader digital inclusion plan, designed to enable youth to tap into business and employment opportunities in the digital space.

CPA Kapkiai also revealed that selected youth are being sponsored for driving courses to enhance their employability and equip them with practical, market-relevant skills. Director for Youth Affairs, Meshack Chemwor, was among the senior county officials who attended the event.