Kibabii University in Bungoma County is poised to be a major beneficiary of the Kenya-USA Global Launchpad Initiative (KUGLi), a transformative one-year program designed to connect youth with global opportunities while addressing critical challenges such as climate change, poverty, teenage pregnancies, entrepreneurship, and the digitalization of the health sector.
The KUGLi summit, held at Kibabii University on Friday, marked the culmination of extensive training programs conducted at JKUAT, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kibabii University, and joint sessions with Syracuse University in the USA. Dr. Churchill Saoke, the KUGLi project lead, highlighted the initiative’s goal of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among young people, encouraging them to leverage entrepreneurship as a tool to tackle global issues.
“The primary goal of the KUGLi program is to empower youth to address the world’s pressing challenges through entrepreneurial ventures. We are leveraging the enthusiasm and innovation of university students to create impactful solutions,” said Dr. Saoke. The program will support 131 participants from Kenya and the USA, providing them with a platform to connect with global opportunities.
Dr. Saoke urged the younger generation to fully utilize the opportunities provided by the U.S. Embassy, national government, and county governments to advance their aspirations.
Bungoma Deputy Governor, Pastor Jenipher Mbatiany, commended the U.S. Embassy for selecting Kibabii University as a key participant in the KUGLi program. She emphasized the initiative’s role in connecting youths with global opportunities and highlighted ongoing regional challenges, including climate change, poverty, and teenage pregnancies. Mbatiany called for similar initiatives to be introduced in the county to help youths seize available opportunities.
In response to the unemployment crisis and to support local talents, Mbatiany announced the establishment of an Ajiry Center in Bungoma. The center will feature a studio where talented youths can record their music for free. Governor Kenneth Lusaka elaborated that Ajiry is a web-based application designed to connect job seekers with employers, facilitating networking and short-term employment contracts.
Governor Lusaka also introduced the “My Hustle” feature on the Ajiry website, which allows users to showcase their talents and sell products online. He encouraged youths to take full advantage of the center, which aims to provide opportunities for skill development, critical awareness, and mental health support.
“The Ajiry program aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government’s economic growth objectives. Given the current disparity between the youth population and available job opportunities, such initiatives are vital for creating dignified employment and enhancing the social and economic welfare of Bungoma residents,” Governor Lusaka stated.
The summit also featured Drew Giblin, the Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy, among other dignitaries.
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