Meru County has become the latest beneficiary of 20X Entrepreneur’s transformative initiative, ‘Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities,’ aimed at addressing the region’s high unemployment rate.
The program, which focuses on training and empowering local artisans, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in Kenya’s Jua Kali sector, seeks to connect them with job opportunities, particularly within the Affordable Housing Program.
With approximately 279 affordable housing units set for construction in Timau Town, North Imenti Constituency, the initiative ensures that local contractors, suppliers, and artisans are well-positioned to secure opportunities in the project and other government-supported developments.
Beyond housing, the initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify Meru’s economy—traditionally an agricultural hub—by opening up new employment avenues for students and graduates from the county’s higher learning institutions.
Speaking at the event, Eunice Maina, CEO of 20X Entrepreneur, highlighted Meru’s untapped economic potential, stating: “Meru is one of the most populated counties in Kenya, filled with raw and valuable resources that remain untapped. 20X Entrepreneur is here to help you see these opportunities and guide you on how to grow within the informal sector.”
The initiative was held in collaboration with Bingwa.ke—a digital platform linking artisans with job opportunities, The Federation of Jua Kali Associations, and United Manpower, a recruitment company certified by the National Employment Authority (NEA). The event attracted over 400 attendees, underscoring the high demand for skills development and employment support in the region.
Having already impacted thousands in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kwale, Homa Bay, Nyeri, and Uasin Gishu-Eldoret, the program’s expansion into Meru marks another milestone in its mission to empower workers in the informal sector. Participants receive hands-on training in technology, financial literacy, and marketing strategies, equipping them with essential skills to build sustainable businesses.
Eunice Maina urged key stakeholders—including the government, policymakers, financial institutions, and training bodies—to collaborate in tackling unemployment in Meru. She emphasized that Affordable Housing Initiatives offer a prime opportunity to transform lives, not just for prospective homeowners but also for the local workers building these projects.
“We call upon all stakeholders to come together and change the unemployment narrative in Meru. These initiatives are a gateway to economic empowerment, and through collaboration, we can create lasting impact,” she added.
With its continued expansion across the country, 20X Entrepreneur’s ‘Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities’ is proving to be a game-changer.
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