The Youth Enterprise Development Fund participated in the third edition of the Mwea Classic Marathon that was held on 10^th September 2011 at Mwea Boys High School playground. The Youth Fund gave KES. 250,000 support towards the event whose main objective was to empower the youth through education, mentorship, and nurturing of talents in athletics. Staff of the Fund also took part in the race.

The event was graced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta and attracted over 2,500 young participants from within and without Mwea District. Others who attended include members of parliament Paul Gitau, Joseph Gitari, Eugene Wamalwa, Ferdinard Waititu and Aden Duale.

Staff of the Youth Fund get ready for the 10KM race

According to Mr. Michael Waweru, the Patron of the Mwea Classic Marathon, the event was inaugurated in the year 2009, to address some of the challenges facing the young people within the region which had led to increased consumption of alcohol and low standards of education. “The marathon was initiated three years ago to engage the youth of this area who were getting wasted through consumption of illicit brews and to encourage them to use their strength and engage in activities such as running to make a living” he said.

Youth Fund initiative lauded

Mr. Waweru lauded the government for introducing economic stimulus initiatives such as the Youth Fund to help youth improve their lives through entrepreneurship.  He urged the youth to take advantage of this initiative and visit the Fund’s constituency offices to access more information on the various products and how to access loans to enable them do business as individuals or groups.

The YEDF, CEO Mr. Juma Mwatata ( R ) presents a dummy cheque of KES. 250,000 to the patron of the Mwea Classic Marathon Mr. Micheal Waweru (L)

The Youth Enterprise Development Fund CEO Mr. Juma Mwatata said that the Fund was happy to be part of the Mwea Classic Marathon whose noble objectives have allowed the young people to develop and nurture their talents in athletics. The Fund was participating in the marathon for the third time.

He said that the Youth Enterprise Development Fund was a noble initiative by the government established to empower the young people of Kenya. Through its mandate the Youth Fund has continued to give loans and offer market support to youth groups and individuals enabling them start or expand their businesses. Since its inception, the Youth Fund has allocated KES. 4.5 billion to youth groups and individuals through financial intermediaries and constituency committees. He added that the Youth Fund was in the process of setting up regional offices in each county to enable young people access the various products more easily and participate in national development.

The Chief Guest, Hon.  Uhuru Kenyatta urged youth to keep away from ill social behaviors such as consumption of illicit brews and instead actively engage in economic activities for personal and national development.