Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during an event on August 7, 2026/MINAInternal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has unveiled a coordinated empowerment programme targeting nearly 600 youth groups in Homa Bay County, with the government seeking to equip them with practical tools, technical skills and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
Omollo said the programme would support youth enterprises while promoting technical training and small-scale businesses as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities for young people across the county.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the youth groups, the PS urged leaders to consult their members before identifying the type of enterprise support they require.
“You are here on behalf of your members, not on your own. Consult them, agree on the enterprise that best serves the group and report back,” Omollo said.
He said the programme would operate under clear guidelines, including a maximum allocation for each group, with proposals evaluated before equipment and other resources are distributed.
“We do not have unlimited time or resources. We must therefore work within clear guidelines and ensure that the available support benefits as many genuine groups as possible,” he said.
Omollo said verification teams would, where necessary, visit communities to establish the existence of groups and assess their needs before allocating support.
The PS said the initiative was designed to provide young people with practical avenues for earning a livelihood rather than temporary assistance.
“We want to give our young people a practical starting point. They should use this support to build businesses, create employment and become economically independent,” he said.
The programme will also promote technical education and practical training to equip young people with skills that can be applied in the job market and enterprise development.
Omollo linked economic empowerment with peace and security, saying young people must work closely with government officials and security agencies to address challenges affecting their communities.
“The Regional Commissioner is here. We know there is a challenge with our young people, and we have agreed that, going forward, there are things we are not going to tolerate,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned against relying solely on enforcement to address challenges affecting the youth, calling for greater engagement and creation of meaningful opportunities.
“We will support you, but we also want you and your team to work closely with these young people. Enforcement alone cannot solve every problem. We must engage them, guide them and create meaningful opportunities for them,” Omollo said.
He urged security agencies to enforce the law fairly and professionally while ensuring young people are treated with dignity.
Youth leaders were similarly asked to promote discipline, discourage activities that threaten peace and guide their members towards productive ventures.
“Our administration, security agencies and youth leaders must operate as one team. We must protect peace while ensuring that our young people are respected, heard and supported,” Omollo said.
The PS stressed that the empowerment programme would be open to all young people in Homa Bay regardless of political affiliation.
“This initiative is for every young person in Homa Bay. Political differences must never divide our youth or prevent them from benefiting from development opportunities,” he said.
The meeting also discussed public participation and countywide organisation, including identifying gaps in the 2022 electoral figures and strengthening mobilisation across constituencies.
Omollo called for the involvement of youth, women, religious leaders, professionals and community organisers.
The meeting was attended by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kasipul MP Boyd Were, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Bensuda, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, among other leaders.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during an event on August 7, 2026/MINA
