Mombasa allocates Sh150million to boost youth businesses

By Ramadhan Nassib and Vanessa Sariman (KNA)

Mombasa County has allocated Sh150 million through its Stawisha Fund to support small businesses.

The county government has spent nearly Sh100 million on stipends for more than 3,000 youths engaged in communal work as part of efforts to keep young people away from drugs and crime.

The figures were disclosed during the opening of a continental youth summit on drug abuse and crime prevention in Mombasa, organised by African Youth Initiatives for Prevention of Drugs and Crime.

The two-day summit has brought together delegates from several countries, with organisers expecting participation from up to 50 nations by the conclusion of the event.

Mombasa County Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hamisi Juma Kurichwa said the Stawisha Fund was designed to grow micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing young people with economic opportunities and helping prevent their involvement in crime.

“It’s very, very important to invest and to support the growth of MSMEs,” Kurichwa said.

He said the Mombasa Yangu programme had engaged more than 3,000 youths in communal work, with the county spending nearly Sh100 million on their monthly stipends.

Kurichwa also said a rehabilitation centre at Mwakirunge Prison is nearing completion and would support people recovering from drug and substance abuse.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism and Culture Mohamed Osman said the county is proud to host the forum and pledged continued financial and policy support towards efforts to address drug abuse.

Osman said the county was also investing in stadiums, sports programmes and the Special Economic Zone as part of measures to create employment opportunities for young people.

Mombasa Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru said the national government supported the initiative, describing the summit as an important opportunity for stakeholders to work together in addressing drug abuse.

CECM for Climate Change Emily Achieng Okello said the county had introduced mentorship programmes, school fee support and the Skills Mtaani initiative to provide young people with additional opportunities.

She called for collaboration among the private sector, religious leaders, national and county governments in addressing challenges facing young people.

Richard Matundura of Genesis Program in Africa said the summit aimed to establish a knowledge-sharing network covering 55 African countries.

Ugandan counsellor Yasin Sewankambo identified unemployment and peer pressure as some of the factors contributing to substance abuse among young people.

Ruth Machocho, a Mombasa-based disability inclusion advocate and youth representative, called for urgent action against illicit alcohol, which she said was associated with addiction and disability.

She urged communities and institutions to work together to prevent substance abuse, support affected people and protect vulnerable groups.

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