NAIROBI – European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen is expected in Nairobi on Wednesday and Thursday this week to launch multi-million euro initiatives for young people.
Among the projects include the global Youth Empowerment Fund and the Last Mile Digital Connectivity for schools.
On Wednesday, the EU Delegation and Big 6 Youth Organizations will launch Euros 10 million Youth Empowerment Fund at the Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi.
To mark the first anniversary of the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action, the European Commission and the Big Six Youth Organisation will launch a new partnership to implement the Sh1.55 billion (EUR 10 million) EU Youth Empowerment Fund, which the EU says will provide financial support to youth-led initiatives globally focusing on environment, climate change, and inclusivity.
In addition, the Commissioner is expected to on Thursday announce EU’s Digital Economy Package for Kenya, including digital connectivity of schools and skills training at Kilimani Primary School.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and UNICEF Kenya Representative Shaheen Nilofer will be among those in attendance.
Commissioner Urpilainen will also visit the computer lab at Kilimani School and announce the EU’s Digital Economy Package for Kenya, as well as launch the Sh1.51 billion (EUR 9.8 million) Last Mile Digital Connections to Underserved Areas. This is part of the digital package that will provide internet for up to 1,300 schools.
“As part of the package, the Commissioner will also announced Sh1.53 billion (EUR 9.9 million) support to the digitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centres,” the EU said in a statement.
Commissioner Urpilainen will later be joined by Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Simon Chelugui at EU-funded KCIC Investment Summit.
The Investment summit will bring together micro, small and medium-sized enterprises together with potential investors and stakeholders to mobilise green investment opportunities.
“The Summit is part of the Euros 19 million AgriBiz Programme implemented by KCIC a business incubation centre which aims to create 20,000 jobs in the agriculture sector,” the EU said.
