Over 1,500 Youth Graduate in Buuri as Ujuzi Mashinani Drives Economic Opportunity

Buuri Constituency came alive with celebration as area Member of Parliament Mugambi Rindikiri led the graduation of more than 1,500 youth under the Ujuzi Mashinani Programme. The milestone highlights a growing push to equip young people with practical, job-ready skills.

The event drew high-level national and county leadership, including Patrick Kilemi, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Cooperatives and MSMEs; Mwenda Rithaa, Chief Executive Officer of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA); Joy Karwitha, Meru County Executive Committee Member for Lands; and Mercy Ikiru, Chairperson of the National Construction Authority (NCA), whose presence underscored strong institutional support for the programme.

A Programme Scaling with Impact

The Ujuzi Mashinani Programme continues to expand.
First, it trained 750 youth in its initial cohort.
Then, it reached 1,530 graduates in the second phase.
Now, it targets 2,500 trainees in the upcoming cohort.

Importantly, the programme aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. It focuses on practical skills that respond directly to market needs.

Turning Skills into Livelihoods

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Rindikiri emphasized the programme’s long-term vision:

“Today marks the beginning of opportunity. We are equipping our youth with skills and tools to start businesses, create jobs, and transform their lives,” said Mugambi Rindikiri.

At the same time, the programme is moving beyond training.
For instance, 40 enterprise groups received startup equipment. These included sewing machines, salon kits, and garage tools. As a result, beneficiaries can begin earning immediately.

Over 1,500 Youth Graduate in Buuri as Ujuzi Mashinani Drives Economic Opportunity

Government Support Strengthens the Model

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs, led by Wycliffe Oparanya, praised the initiative as a practical model for grassroots empowerment, noting that partnerships like this are key to equipping youth with both skills and the tools of trade.

Patrick Kilemi added, “This programme goes beyond training. Through our collaboration, we are ensuring that young people receive the equipment they need to start and sustain enterprises, effectively linking skills development to real economic opportunity.”

In addition, the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority continues to support graduates. It connects them to tools, markets, and financing opportunities.

Partnerships Driving Results

Equally important, the programme works with technical institutions and vocational centres. These partnerships ensure trainees gain hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.

County leadership also welcomed the initiative. Joy Karwitha noted that such programmes drive inclusive growth at the grassroots.

Beyond Training: Community Influence

Beyond skills development, the event also saw new members register into the United Democratic Alliance. This reflects the programme’s growing influence within the community.

A Scalable Model for Growth

Ultimately, Ujuzi Mashinani is proving to be more than a training programme.
Instead, it is building a pipeline of entrepreneurs.

By combining skills training, tools, and enterprise support, the initiative is creating real economic impact. As the third cohort approaches, Buuri is positioning itself as a model for grassroots transformation.

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