Hisani Foundation patron George Arwa has called on leaders across the country to develop sustainable strategies for youth employment, warning that the government cannot absorb all job seekers into public service.
Speaking on Saturday during a Career Fair event at Pap Kadundo in Seme Sub-County, Arwa urged young people to embrace innovation, stressing that formal education should be viewed as a gateway to opportunities rather than a guarantee of employment.
“You saw many youths on the streets, this was because of hunger and lack of jobs. Let’s give these young people activities; they are very industrious. I have given them four projects, and they are doing well. You don’t go to school to be employed but to be an innovator,” Arwa said.
He cited the recent Gen Z protests as a wake-up call on the urgency of addressing youth unemployment. Through Hisani Foundation, he said, several projects are transforming lives in Seme, including a photo studio in Kolenyo Market, horticulture by the Urudi-Rata Youth Group, poultry farming by Brain at Work CBO, sunflower oil production by Nyaolo Youth Group, and fishpond aquaculture by Kosimbo Self-Help Group.
Arwa revealed that the foundation’s vision extends beyond education to wellness, economic empowerment, and inclusive development. He announced plans for a medical camp in December and pledged continued support for youth groups with viable initiatives.
He also urged Nyanza’s youth to remain patient with the government, noting that development projects take time. Praising Raila Odinga for guiding the region, Arwa said, “This song of one term is not there in Nyanza. The government has shown goodwill to support our people, and with Raila’s direction, we will always follow their directives.”
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, also speaking at the event, raised concern over reduced secondary school capitation, from KSh 22,000 to KSh 16,000, urging the Ministry of Education to ensure timely disbursements. He further appealed for reforms to the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme to accommodate unemployed citizens and peasant farmers, saying it was unfair to demand a full year’s payment upfront before accessing treatment.
The career fair drew several dignitaries, including Seme MP James Nyikal, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Finance CECM George Okong’o, Sports CECM Beatrice Odongo, Seme Director of Education Chrispin Ogutu, Great Lakes University Registrar Ezekiel Onyango, and Blue Cross Kenya Director Ishmael Ogweno. All echoed the call for education as the great equalizer and urged youth to take charge of their future. Hisani Foundation has so far awarded full scholarships to more than 60 students.
