Youth Enterprise Development Fund

Today the Youth Enterprise Development Fund joined hands with the Ministry of Interior, Kenya Forest Service, Catholic Church, Kenya Wildlife Service and other agencies in planting 6,000 trees at the Christ the King Major Seminary, Nyeri. In addition the Fund will plant 100 fruit trees in the same institution. YEDF has a target of planting 6,000 trees this financial year. Every member of staff is expected to plant 30 trees. The event was graced by Nyeri County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi and also attended by the Nyeri county heads of the partnering agencies. The YEDF team was led by Corporate Communications Manager Benson Muthendi. The County Commissioner challenged the youth to take advantage of youth focused government initiatives such as YEDF. He asked them to desist from self destructive behaviour such as drug and susbstance abuse, noting that such practices will derail their dreams. Mr. Muthendi noted that integrating environmental conservation into the mandate of YEDF offers a synergistic approach. It promotes economic growth, job creation, and social development while simultaneously addressing crucial environmental challenges. This creates a win-win scenario for both the youth and the planet. YEDF has introduced a Green Loan product to finance youth in climate action enterprises. YEDF has cumulatively disbursed Kshs. 540 million to 19,000 youth in Nyeri.

CEO Josiah Moriasi and his team this afternoon met with Jimmy Davies, Managing Director of HOPS Labour Solutions (UK), to review the progress of the Mkulima Majuu UK Seasonal Jobs Program. This program connects skilled agricultural youth workers from TVET institutions with farming jobs in the UK. The Youth Fund plays a key role by providing migration loans up to Kshs. 300,000 to eligible youth. The meeting focused on successes, challenges and areas for improvement within the process flow. It also discussed integration of a Youth Fund-facilitated pre-departure training covering areas such as employment contracts, cultural adaptation, workplace expectations and financial literacy. Mr. Moriasi reiterated the Fund’s commitment to the initiative. “Beyond financial benefits, these opportunities impart skills and experiences that can enhance local agricultural practices upon their return”. Jimmy Davies commended the Fund’s support. "The Youth Fund's support has been instrumental in bridging financial gaps for qualified candidates. Our continued review and refinement of the program will improve outcomes for the participants”, he said

The Youth Fund in partnership with Ajira Digital invites youth to an online training session where you will learn about; • Digital infrastructure • Digital marketing • Data trends among other topics Date: 25th -26th March 2025 Time: 9.00am Register here: https://lnkd.in/dXwVtdzP

Reaching us is now easier than before! We have launched a WhatsApp Business Account and Channel to better connect with you! Follow these new channels and stay informed about the Fund opportunities, loan application guidance, business support services, success stories and more. WhatsApp https://lnkd.in/dfQiEHS7 Channel https://lnkd.in/d2ctHbK7

“My name is George Miano, a beneficiary of a Kshs. 2M business expansion loan from the Youth Fund. I started my hardware shop in Malindi after noticing a gap in quality building supplies. The loan helped me to expand into electrical and plumbing supplies which in turn has increased my revenue. I have employed two youth who work on a permanent basis. I am mentoring them in business to help them realize their entrepreneurial ambitions. Despite facing supply chain challenges and growing competition, I look forward to growing my business so that i can supply to other subcounties in Kilifi. My vision is to create a regional hardware store network that provides more employment opportunities for youth.” #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

Youth Fund Corporate Communications Manager, Benson Muthendi along with a team from the Fund, met this morning with representatives from Tangaza University, led by Dr. Cecilia Osyanju, Dean of Social Arts & social Sciences to explore areas of collaborations to promote youth economic growth. The meeting identified practical initiatives, including entrepreneurship training, market support and linkages, and the incubation of youth-driven innovations. Mr. Muthendi emphasized the importance of understanding the aspirations of the youth being supported. He said, “Beyond the provision of resources and training, it is critical to engage in continuous dialogue to understand the evolving needs and inspirations of young entrepreneurs. This ensures that our support remains relevant and impactful”. Dr. Osyanju on her part said, “Our University recognizes the critical role of integrating academic expertise with practical application. We believe that providing access to mentorship, research and industry networks, empowers young innovators to translate their ideas into viable businesses.” The team agreed to continue discussions with the aim of formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding.

In the spirit of #IWD2025, we celebrate Mercy Margarita and her group members at Clan Bible Youth Group in Kapsaret, Uasin Gishu. Passionate about agribusiness, they saw an opportunity in selling animal feeds and secured a group loan of Kshs. 500,000 from the Youth Fund to expand their stock and customer base. They have big dreams of scaling beyond Uasin Gishu. We wish them success on their entrepreneurial journey #FinancialInclusion #AccelerateAction #internationalwomensday2025

Youth Fund CEO Josiah Moriasi this morning joined Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba at a leaders’ consultative breakfast meeting in Nairobi. The meeting, which focused on the economic development of Southern Nyanza, brought together distinguished professionals, legislators, and county government officials to discuss collaborative efforts for regional growth. Cabinet Secretary Ogamba emphasized the importance of collective effort in driving development. “We must work together by leveraging our expertise and resources if we want to accelerate the growth of South Nyanza’ he said." In his remarks, Mr. Moriasi highlighted various opportunities available for youth and urged leaders to encourage young people within their networks to take advantage of these initiatives. ‘We have loans targeting both individuals and groups to help them start and expand businesses,’ he said. “We also launched an immigration loan product to support those who have secured jobs abroad in covering their pre-travel costs. Youth can access up to Kshs. 300,000.” The leaders agreed to collaborate and align their efforts to ensure meaningful and sustainable development in the region.

We are calling on youth to join the Youth Fund & Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for a FREE online training session on: • KEBS standards acquisition process • Product certification • Kenya & EAC Quality Awards • CQP and DQM certification programs 📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th March 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM Register here: https://shorturl.at/Zvefi

GO-GREEN LOAN PRODUCT The loan targets youth entrepreneurs in the green economy. It finances businesses in renewable energy, eco-tourism, waste management, organic farming, afforestation, carbon credits among others. Both startups and existing businesses can benefit from the loan product. Visit us today at your nearest youth fund office, located at county headquarters, to apply.