The Lomosi Foundation patron Andrew Lomosi addressing youths at Givogi hall in Hamisi constituency on March 13 2026/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

The government of Vihiga has launched a programme aimed at supporting business growth among young people.

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

The county has partnerships with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the Lomosi Foundation.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

The Youths Economic Activation Programme (YEAP) has already enlisted its first group of 268 participants.

The initiative is expected to support at least 700 youth across the county between 2026 and 2028.

It seeks to address the lack of structured support systems needed to turn business ideas into stable income streams and transform small survival businesses into sustainable enterprises.

MSEA Western Kenya regional head Philip Maobe said government agencies are keen to support the growth of youth enterprises into viable businesses capable of creating employment.

 

“Our role is to ensure these young entrepreneurs are not just starting businesses, but building enterprises with real potential to grow,” he said.

 

“We want to see youth in Vihiga moving from informal survival activities to structured enterprises that can create jobs and strengthen local value chains,” he added.

 

One of the programme’s key innovations is the creation of the Vihiga Integrated Business E-System (VIBES Market), an e-commerce platform designed to connect youth-run enterprises directly with consumers and institutional buyers.

 

The initiative will also introduce an electric bike delivery network to support the distribution of products from youth enterprises while creating environmentally friendly jobs.

 

Data from the county’s department of youth shows many young people survive on small-scale income-generating activities.

 

These include selling farm produce, running retail kiosks, tailoring, beauty services, boda boda transport and casual labour.

 

Speaking during the onboarding event,  Lomosi Foundation chairman Andrew Lomosi  said the initiative is designed to provide practical solutions to challenges that hinder the development of youth enterprises in the county.

"Our youth are hardworking and creative, but the majority are struggling with a lack of market for their products, financing and the support systems businesses need. This is what YEAP is seeking to change,” Lomosi said.

The programme focuses on structured business training, enterprise group formation, access to financing pathways, shared production equipment, and market linkages.

"We are hopeful. Such initiatives create a platform for us young entrepreneurs to grow our ventures here in rural counties like Vihiga,” said Seth Afandi, a youth from Hamisi.

Foundation executive director Ann Wambui said the strength of the initiative lies in its integrated design, which addresses multiple barriers faced by young entrepreneurs.

"The youth need access to training, they need customers, they need equipment and they need institutions that believe in their ability to succeed. YEAP brings all these on one platform,” Wambui said.

Regional enterprise development officials say such initiatives are critical in helping young people move beyond subsistence activities.

Financial institutions also pledged to play a role in improving access to credit for young entrepreneurs in the county.