The Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) is one of the most structured county-level youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya. It runs as a five-month work-study program. It blends paid community service, vocational training, national certification, seed capital, and business support into one pathway.
By the time the program reached its eighth cohort, it had already supported more than 8,400 young people across Murang’a County. The number keeps growing with every intake.
Most importantly, MYS is not just a short-term jobs program. Instead, it prepares youth for work and self-employment. That makes it a strong model for long-term change.
Why the Murang’a Youth Service Matters
Youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Kenya. Many young people want to work, yet opportunities are limited. At the same time, many lack certified skills. Others have skills but no money to start.
That is where MYS comes in.
The program tackles three barriers at once:
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Limited income opportunities
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Lack of formal technical certification
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High cost of starting a business
Because MYS combines work, training, and support, it offers a realistic route into economic participation.
Inclusive and Transparent Recruitment
Recruitment is done across wards in Murang’a County. This helps distribute opportunities fairly. In many intakes, around 30 youths per ward are selected.
The program also stays inclusive:
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No educational qualifications are required.
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The process is free of charge.
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Selection is done through public balloting.
In addition, the recruitment process is supervised. Oversight often includes:
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The local Chief or Assistant Chief
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An independent observer
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A community elder
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The MYS supervisor
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A County Government representative
Because names are drawn in public, the process builds trust. It also reduces interference and favoritism.
Phase One: Paid Community Service
After selection, participants begin with two months of structured community work. Much of it involves town cleaning and sanitation improvement across Murang’a.
During this phase, participants earn Ksh 400 per day:
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Ksh 300 goes directly to the participant
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Ksh 100 is sent to a parent or guardian
This setup supports households. It also encourages responsibility and family involvement. Even so, it still gives the youth direct income.
In the same period, participants gain discipline and teamwork. They also build a sense of civic duty.
Phase Two: Vocational Training at Local Polytechnics
Next, participants move into three months of vocational training. They study at local polytechnics and choose practical courses.
Common choices include:
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Plumbing
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Hair and beauty
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Electrical installation
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Mechanical trades
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Building construction
The program covers training costs. It also prepares participants for Grade 3 trade testing by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
National Certification Through NITA
Participants sit for NITA Grade 3 examinations. After that, they receive nationally recognized certification.
This certification is valuable for several reasons:
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It proves technical competence
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It improves employability
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It supports career growth over time
As a result, the program produces more than trained youth. It produces certified artisans and service providers.
Graduation and Seed Capital
After training and exams, participants graduate. They then receive Ksh 15,000 in seed capital.
This money helps them:
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Start small businesses
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Buy tools and equipment
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Launch service-based work
Therefore, the program supports entrepreneurship, not just job searching.
One-Year Business License Waiver
MYS includes another important incentive. Graduates who start businesses within Murang’a County do not pay a business license fee for the first year.
This policy matters because it:
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Reduces early business costs
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Encourages local enterprise growth
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Improves survival rates for new businesses
In other words, the county removes pressure at the hardest stage. That helps youth build stability faster.
Economic and Social Impact
MYS creates value at several levels. It supports individuals, families, and towns.
Household Income Support
Daily wages inject money into homes across wards. The parent or guardian share also spreads benefits.
Skills Development
Participants leave with practical technical skills. They also carry nationally recognized certification.
Entrepreneurship Growth
Seed capital and the license waiver encourage youth-led micro-enterprises.
Community Improvement
Town cleaning improves public spaces. It also boosts civic pride.
Social Stability
Structured work keeps youth engaged. It also reduces idle time and supports community cohesion.
A Structured County-Level Governance Model
Since its launch under Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the Murang’a Youth Service has grown into a complete empowerment framework.
Its strength is integration. It does not stop at wages, it does not stop at training, it does not stop at graduation.
Instead, it connects work, certification, capital, and policy support in one system. Few county programs do that.
A Balanced Perspective
Still, demand is high. Slots are limited. Because selection is through balloting, many applicants miss out during each intake.
However, the method remains fair. It also stays open and accountable. For that reason, public trust has remained strong.
Conclusion
The Murang’a Youth Service is a structured response to youth unemployment. It combines:
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Paid community service
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Vocational training
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NITA certification
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Seed capital
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A one-year business license waiver
As a result, the program offers a clear pathway from unemployment to economic participation. It also strengthens local enterprise and community development across Murang’a County.
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