Youths in Kisumu County have been urged to embrace modern agriculture as a pathway to economic empowerment and a solution to the rising challenge of youth unemployment.
Speaking on Wednesday during a youth products exhibition at Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu East, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Arts, Culture, Sports and Gender, Beatrice Odongo, called on young people to actively engage in agribusiness while urging development partners and donors to support their initiatives.
“I want to call upon more young people to come onboard and make agriculture part of our empowerment sector within the county. We also call upon partners to support them because, from what I have seen, they are able to expand their projects even through voluntary work, selling their products and sustaining their livelihoods,” said Odongo.
She noted that Kisumu County currently works directly with about 1,000 youths, while partners support another 1,000. However, she stressed that a significant number of young people remain unreached and encouraged them to seize opportunities in agriculture, which she said is now paying handsomely.
Victor Elvis, Director of Nyalenda Young Turks CBO and host of the exhibition, said holding the event at a police station symbolized a renewed relationship between youths and law enforcement. He praised youth-led organizations such as Impact Smart CBO, Zuwi Afya, and Madiaba CBO from Nyalenda slums for adopting agroecology practices that promote food security.
“Having this engagement at a police headquarters shows that young people are positive about the future and are even linking officers with opportunities. We are encouraging communities to use small spaces, including within police camps, to practice agroecology for better food security and nutrition for households, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children,” Elvis said.
He added that the exhibition created opportunities for youth-led organizations from all eight sub-counties of Kisumu to showcase innovations, connect with county officials, the business community, and media, and tap into new markets.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, who officially opened the exhibition, lauded Nyalenda Young Turks for empowering youths through agriculture and skills development. He emphasized that such initiatives help reduce crime among idle youths.
“I thank the organization for the role they are playing to ensure our youths are engaged meaningfully by giving them the right skills. I support this program 100%. Let us not politicize it. We do not want to attend meetings by day only to hear of killings at night. Let’s discourage mob injustice and remember that everyone has a right to life,” Leparmorijo said.
