Leaders, priest challenges Homa Bay youth to form saving groups

Outgoing Homa Bay St Paul’s Catholic Church priest Fr Boniface Alando (dressed in black shirt) and Homa Bay County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe (right) interact with Homa Bay Boda boda and Spouses CBO members at the church during a fundraiser to help the CBO on March 14, 2020. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay political leaders and a cleric have challenged the youth and women to form groups for savings to create jobs for themselves enhance self-reliance in the area.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe and the outgoing Homa Bay St Paul’s Catholic Church Priest Fr Boniface Alando said self-reliance is the best way of reducing unemployment in the county.

Speaking at Homa Bay St Paul’s Catholic Church during a fundraiser in aid of Homa Bay Boda boda and Spouses Community Based Organisation (CBO) initiated by Fr Alando, Ogwe said the savings groups will enable youth to get funds to start businesses.

“One of my agenda is youth and women empowerment. Let us collaborate to champion this agenda,” said Ogwe.

He, however, challenged elected leaders to not to embezzle funds in collected savings to help the groups grow and achieve their purpose.

“My advice to young people who are given mandate to serve as signatories of savings groups to demonstrate high level of accountability to enable them achieve the intended agenda,” said Ogwe.

Millie said youth and women are the majority hence they can enhance economic growth of the county if they are actively engaged in job creation.

“Empowerment of the youth and women will alleviate this county from many societal problems. Let us put concerted efforts to sensitise them on job creation,” she said.

Fr Alando said he initiated the CBO to enable the 36 Boda boda riders acquire a motorbike each besides giving their wives money for starting business.

He said the initiative will empower the youth in the county and improve their living standards.

The Priest appealed to the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President’s wife Rachel Ruto and ODM leader’s wife Ida Odinga to intervene in supporting the youth and women.

“Youths and women have numerous economic problems. I appeal to the three women leaders come to their rescue,” said Fr Olando.