Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has said that the future of the county lies on the youth, thus the need to invest in them by providing them with requisite training, skills and employment opportunities.

Addressing participants during a senzitizaton meeting on the Better Utilization of skills for Youth through Quality Apprenticeships (BUSY) Project, the Governor said many people have skills but they have no workshops to practice and he promised to talk to Federation of Kenya Employers, COTU and US Embassy in Kenya to see to it that the project succeeds.

"Within a short period of time we should be able to see results and stop the culture of youth begging and stop idling," he stated.

The project is funded by the United States Department of Labour through International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the County Government of Busia; it's aimed at empowering marginalized youths between the ages of 16-24.

The Governor lauded Culture and Sports Executive, Dr.Janet Manyasi and Chief Officer in the department , Mr. Maurice Odundo for being the best in performing their duties after the Cabinet reshuffle, urging other CECMs and Chief officers to always think outside the box, adding that he has trust in the Department of Culture, Sports and Social Services.

He said through such initiatives the ILO will bring millions of money even though the department's budget will be enhanced by the supplementary budget.

The Centre Manager, Kisumu National Industrial Training aAuthority (NITA), Mary Wamoko said they are so flexible and ready to bring training to the people, revealing that statistics show there are over 400,000 bodaboda riders.

Ms Wamoko said that most employers do not open their doors for youths to train whenever there is need and cautioned various organizations to open up for the youth to practice and acquire necessary skills."

Photo:Governir addressing participants during a senzitizaton meeting on the Better Utilization of skills for Youth (BUSY) and a section of crafts men