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Kwale youth urged to turn Maskanis into business ventures

Youth officer Jawa Mwachupa addressing youth at Kombani on April 16, 2024. Photo: Mishi Gongo

By Mishi Gongo | 18 Apr 2024

According to the lobby groups, there are lots of youth empowerment initiatives and chances offered by the government that, when taken advantage of, can result in better livelihoods and self-employment.

Lobby groups have urged Kwale County youth to turn Maskanis, a notorious hotspot for insecurity and drug abuse, into a money-making opportunity.

Maskanis are informal places where youth congregate to socialise.

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Maskanis are popular among the youth of the coastal region and have been alleged to be places where youth engage themselves in vices such as organised crime and drug abuse.

Kwale County youth officer Jawa Mwachupa spoke during a sensitisation programme hosted by the Coast Interfaith Council of clerics, the Kenya Community Support Centre field officer, and kaya elders.

He said that young people can easily make money by launching small businesses in Maskanis, which reduces idleness, and fuels insecurity.

"We can use the Maskanis to hold constructive dialogue. It is high time we use them as an avenue to raise awareness on social issues and encourage development," said the officer.

The officer said instead of youth holding small useless talks while chewing muguka and khat, they can empower each other by coming up with business ideas.

"Rather than meeting to engage in drugs, youth can have meaningful discussions that can positively transform their lives," said Mwachupa.

Youth attending a peace and empowerment forum by the Coast Interfaith Council of clerics, Kenya Community Support Centre field officer and Kaya elders. Photo: Mishi Gongo

He encouraged the young people to think of business concepts that would enable them to generate money and improve society.

Selling groundnuts, tea, snacks, and used clothing are a few of the businesses that young people can start in their neighbourhoods.

According to him, there are lots of youth empowerment initiatives and chances offered by the government that, when taken advantage of, can result in better livelihoods and self-employment.

"The job market is very crowded. Every year, universities release thousands of graduates," he said.

Mwachupa suggested young people use their energy to build a foundation that will support them in their old age.

Mohammed Sibabu, a Kaya elder, advised the young people not to grow accustomed to creating instability.

He said many young people in the boda boda business are involved in illegal activities, destroying the sector's image and that of the other youth.

The elder advised the youth to apply for government security jobs such as police, KDF, KWS and KFS.

Kenya Community Support Centre field officer Mwalimu Rama encouraged parents to support youth to start businesses.

"If you can sell everything to bail out your criminal children, why don't you do the same in setting up income-generating projects for them?" he posed.

Rama said society must change its attitude towards empowerment and take a personal initiative in creating self-employment for the youth.