Equity Bank Launches NEW Programme To Help End Unemployment in 2015

By Jane Okoth,

The alarming rate of unemployment that has forced many youths to resort to crime as the government is still clueless on tackling the crisis.

After the much publicized youth enterprise fund that sought to help Kenyan youth focus on business and entrepreneurship skills, other sectors are also partnering to help the majority percentage of the population.

Equity bank, which was ranked as Kenya’s most top employers, has also launched an initiative planned on helping the youth find ways of sustaining themselves financially.

Equity is planning to focus on creative youth who will explore their talents in design and fashion making.

The online launched campaign is meant to provide support for youthful entrepreneurs aspiring to make their mark in various creative fields between the ages of 18-30 years.

According to the bank’s website “Within the Vijana na Equity scope, the first campaign seeks to support fledging fashion designers to attain their dreams while enjoying commercial returns.”

How useful is this initiative and will it help young Kenyans to escape the curse of unemployment?

“As far as today’s youth are concerned, the initiative seems to be misplaced,” says Bernard Ojwang, a Sales Representative at an upcoming banking industry in Nairobi.

“We should not forget that majority of the youth come from poor backgrounds which leaves those who are pursuing fashion and design to be few in number and some even come from rich backgrounds,” he argues.

He concludes by adding that “I agree that most youths are looking for jobs and if that is not the case, we are looking for capital to start our own business.”

“The campaign is a good one especially the fact that it is trying to unlock the dreams of the Kenyan youth,” says Antony Karuru, a Graduate at a technical college in Mombasa.

“However I tend to think that is biased in some way because it is only concentrating on people who do fashion and design,” he adds.

“What about some of us who have done other courses and are not good at fashion or design?” he poses.

“This is because I personally did a diploma in food and beverage production and since I cannot find a job, I am looking for enough capital to start my own food business,” he explains.

“I support the initiative which is in good faith,” says Mary Mutua, a Customer Care Assistant at a leading logistics company.

“At least they have done their part even if some individuals are always criticizing them,” she adds.

“We cannot expect them to assist the whole youth population in the country,” she opines.

She however maintains that “The youths should be provided with jobs because not all of us have the dreams and ambitions to become entrepreneurs.”

“But to the youth out there, this is a good chance if you have a talent in creativity and design as you will get a chance to get their career to the next level,” she advises.

What are your views on the initiative?

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