The Murang’a County Government on Sunday celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) during an interdenominational prayer event held at the Murang’a Level 5 Hospital New Ward.

Presided over by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the ceremony saw 700 youth graduate after successfully completing their studies in youth polytechnics within the county.

This brings the total number of people recruited into MYS to more than 4,000 youths.

Each graduate was awarded Ksh.15,000 in start-up capital to launch their businesses, alongside a waiver on county taxes for the first year.

In his address, Governor Kang’ata emphasised the program’s dual focus on fostering job creation and economic growth.

"Our aim is to spur Murang’a’s economy and create jobs for the youth. We are not just training employees but employers as well,” he said.

He also announced internship opportunities for top-performing graduates from the first cohort, particularly those who attained first-class honours in their NITA exams.

The Murang’a Youth Service, a flagship program of the County Government, recruits youth through a transparent balloting process.

Participants earn Ksh.400 daily for community service activities, including cleaning towns, with Ksh.100 remitted directly to their parents.

In addition, the youth are enrolled in polytechnic programs to gain practical skills for self-reliance and future employment opportunities.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering the next generation and preparing them to lead in business, innovation, and service,” added Governor Kang’ata.