Residents of Antobentwe Kiongo Market in Igembe North are witnessing renewed optimism following the revival of the Meru Youth Service (MYS), a county initiative focused on youth empowerment, public service, and transition into vocational skills training.
The programme is being hailed as a model that combines civic responsibility, discipline, income support and pathways into Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
Youth Recruits Begin Community Service
Meru County Secretary David Baariu, who also serves as County Executive Committee Member in charge of Roads, joined MYS recruits during a clean-up exercise at Antobentwe Kiongo Market.
The exercise included:
- Waste collection
- Drainage clearance
- Market sanitation improvements
- Beautification of public spaces
The activity forms part of a broader countywide programme targeting markets and urban centres across Meru County.
Pathway to Vocational Training
Baariu said the programme goes beyond temporary engagement and is designed to prepare youth for long-term self-reliance.
Each ward recruited 20 youths, who are currently receiving a daily stipend of Sh500 during training.
“After completion, they will undergo a pass-out ceremony and proceed to Vocational Training Centres where they will acquire technical skills of their choice. The county government will also provide start-up kits to help them begin their own ventures,” he said.
Strong TVET Linkage
The transition of recruits into VTCs gives the programme a strong vocational development angle.
Youth are expected to pursue practical training in areas such as:
- Carpentry and joinery
- Plumbing
- Electrical installation
- Tailoring and fashion design
- Hairdressing and beauty
- Welding and fabrication
- ICT and digital skills
- Agribusiness
The promise of startup kits also increases the chances of self-employment after graduation.
Discipline and Social Transformation
Baariu said the initiative includes elements of structured discipline inspired by the National Youth Service model.
He noted the programme has already helped reduce:
- Drug abuse
- Crime
- Idleness
- Teenage pregnancies
“After this, you should not go back to where you were. Move forward and build your lives,” he told recruits.
Traders Welcome Change
Residents and traders said the programme is already delivering visible benefits.
Market representative Beatrice Kabiro Maore praised improved sanitation and lighting.
“We are thankful for empowering our youth and cleaning this market. The lighting has also made it safer, and we can now work even at night,” she said.
Market Chairman Ayub Miriti Samwuel said levelling works and adding murram have improved accessibility and business operations.
Skills + Service = New Opportunity
Originally launched under former Governor Kiraitu Murungi, the MYS programme had gone inactive for years before its revival.
Its return is now being viewed as a practical county solution to youth unemployment by combining:
- Paid engagement
- Public service
- Discipline
- Vocational training
- Startup support
- Community development
As the programme expands, many residents see it as more than a clean-up initiative—it is a bridge helping young people move from idleness into skills, enterprise and productive citizenship.