Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has announced a new youth empowerment programme targeting nearly 600 groups across Homa Bay County.
Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders drawn from the county, on Friday, August 7, he said the initiative would provide practical tools and resources to help young people establish viable livelihoods.
Omollo urged representatives attending the meeting to consult members of their respective groups before submitting proposals for support.
"You are here on behalf of your members, not on your own. Consult them, agree on the enterprise that best serves the group and report back," he said.
According to Omollo, the programme will operate under clear guidelines, with a set limit on the amount of support available to each group.
Read More
The PS said applications will be reviewedbefore equipment and other resources are issued.
"We do not have unlimited time or resources. We must therefore work within clear guidelines and ensure that the available support benefits as many genuine groups as possible," he added.
Omollo added that verification teams would be deployed where necessary to confirm the existence of beneficiary groups and assess their needs before support is released.
Beyond enterprise development, the programme will also promote technical education, vocational training and support for small businesses.
Omollo said the goal is to equip young people with the means to become self-reliant and create employment opportunities within their communities.
"We want to give our young people a practical starting point. They should use this support to build businesses, create employment and become economically independent," he further said.
On matters of security, Omollo acknowledged challenges affecting some young people and called for stronger collaboration between youth leaders, security agencies, national government administrators and the county government.
"The Regional Commissioner is here. We know there is a challenge with our young people, and we have agreed that, going forward, there are things we are not going to tolerate," he noted.
Omollo noted that enforcement measures alone would not address all challenges facing young people and stressed the need for mentorship and economic empowerment.
"We will support you, but we also want you and your team to work closely with these young people. Enforcement alone cannot solve every problem. We must engage them, guide them and create meaningful opportunities for them," he further said.
Omollo noted that security officers must uphold professionalism while ensuring young people are treated fairly and with dignity.
He also encouraged youth leaders to promote discipline and steer their members towards productive activities.
"Our administration, security agencies and youth leaders must operate as one team. We must protect peace while ensuring that our young people are respected, heard and supported," he explained.
Omollo said the initiative would benefit young people from all parts of Homa Bay regardless of political affiliation.
"This initiative is for every young person in Homa Bay. Political differences must never divide our youth or prevent them from benefiting from development opportunities," he said.
This comes a day after the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) opened applications for Jielimishe loans in the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a public notice on Thursday, August 5, the board said the Jielimishe loans target salaried learners.
"HELB 2026/27 Jielimishe Loan application for salaried learners is now open! Take the next step in your career with the Jielimishe Loan," read the notice in part.
According to HELB, learners can borrow up to Ksh600,000, which is payable between 12 and 48 months.
The board noted that the loans are quickly processed and have an interest rate of 10 percent per year.
"Enjoy quick loan processing, flexible repayment period of 12–48 months, competitive interest rates, and financing of up to Ksh 600,000," HELB stated.
To apply for the Jielimishe loan, students are required to visit the Higher Education Financing Portal http://bit.ly/45rSFk9 and submit their applications.
-1786106224.jpg)
