20X Entrepreneur has launched its “Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities” initiative in Meru County, a region within the former Eastern Province of Kenya, to address the county’s high unemployment rate.
The program focuses on training and empowering local artisans, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs within Kenya’s “Jua Kali” (informal) sector, connecting them with job opportunities.
This initiative aligns with 20X Entrepreneur’s mission to bridge the gap between the informal sector and the government’s Affordable Housing Program.
With the planned construction of approximately 279 affordable housing units in Timau Town, North Imenti Constituency, Meru County is strategically positioned to benefit from this training. The program aims to ensure that local contractors, suppliers, and artisans are linked to these projects and other government-supported initiatives within the county. The initiative also seeks to diversify Meru’s economy beyond its traditional agricultural focus, creating varied employment opportunities for students and graduates from neighboring tertiary institutions.
Eunice Maina, CEO of 20X Entrepreneurs, emphasized Meru’s potential at the event, noting, “Meru ranks among Kenya’s most populous counties. This county holds immense potential for driving Kenya’s economic growth. It possesses both significant manpower and untapped raw resources. 20X Entrepreneur is here to help you identify these resources and opportunities and guide you in developing your businesses within the informal sector.”
In collaboration with Bingwa.ke, a digital platform connecting artisans and retailers with job opportunities, and The Federation of Jua Kali Associations and United Manpower, a National Employment Authority (NEA) certified recruitment company, the “Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities” initiative drew over 400 attendees to its training and empowerment event.
Building on successful programs in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kwale, Homabay, Nyeri, and Uasin Gishu-Eldoret, the initiative now focuses on Meru, aiming to transform lives through collaboration and economic empowerment. Participants in the informal sector will receive practical training in technology, financial literacy, and marketing strategies, equipping them with the tools necessary to establish sustainable businesses.
“We urge the government, policymakers, financial institutions, and training institutions to collaborate and address unemployment in Meru,” added Eunice Maina. “These Affordable Housing Initiatives offer an ideal platform to transform the lives of Meru residents and local workers involved in these projects.”
