On November 17, 2024, the UGM Party held the Busia County Gig at the Butula Polytechnic Showgrounds. The event attracted over 500 participants, including women and youth, who represented a diverse demographic, such as out-of-school youth, students, graduates from institutions of higher learning, small business owners and local politicians.
The gig featured an exhibition stand showcasing two greenpreneurs:
1.Butula Bamboo Farmers: This group addresses the challenge of costly and harmful fuel options faced by many women in local villages. They produce eco-friendly and affordable briquettes from bamboo and manufacture eco-friendly jikos. Beyond fuel alternatives, they train youth and women in crafting bamboo products such as trays and sustainable furniture, empowering them to generate income rather than remain unemployed.
2. Wonder Bee Keepers: They utilize the full honey value chain, producing honey and purely organic value added products like oils and natural soap from the byproducts. They also advocate for socio-economic transformation of communities by training local youth and farmers in apiculture, promoting sustainable income generating practices and environmental conservation.
The greenpreneur showcase is a key feature of the gig, providing young entrepreneurs with a platform to present their ideas, make sales, and inspire others to embrace green entrepreneurship. This showcase also exposes attendees, especially the youth, to innovative empowerment strategies that align with sustainability.
Kenya is currently grappling with alarmingly high levels of youth unemployment, which affects both skilled and unskilled youth across the country. The combination of a high cost of living and a lack of job opportunities has contributed to social unrest, rising crime, and a growing mental health crisis. In urban areas, many young people have turned to substance abuse or criminal activities as coping mechanisms. Furthermore, the rising unemployment has led to a growing disconnection from the political system, which has resulted in reduced civic engagement.
Youth unemployment is not only a social issue but also a significant barrier to Kenya’s economic growth. The failure to fully harness the potential of the country’s young population means that one of its most valuable resources is being underutilized, limiting the country’s ability to achieve sustainable development.
The UGM Party’s efforts to engage the youth and introduce them to alternative employment opportunities through talent and green jobs are critical in addressing the unemployment crisis. We recognize that there is a need for policy reforms to improve the job market for the youth. Kenya is a long way from ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for the growing youth population.
Entertainment played a key role in engaging the audience. Performances by local artists, including Carolina Namuenge, Upreally Kenya, and Vincent Ongidi, were a significant attraction. The event also featured a football match between The Butula Young Elephants and Simuli Football Clubs, highlighting the importance of nurturing local talent. These activities demonstrated how talent can be leveraged as a source of income and motivation for youth to pursue meaningful endeavors.
The event drew various political leaders hosted by the UGM Busia Branch. We had among other leaders, various county coordinators from across the region including Hon. John Obure from Kisumu County, Hon. Easter Elizabeth Ogweno from Homa Bay County, Hon. Zack Thierry from Trans Nzoia County, and UGM Co-Party Leader Hon. Neto Agostinho. These leaders encouraged the youth to participate actively in politics, urging them to vie for political positions and engage in discourses aimed at transformative leadership. Discussions emphasized the need to learn from past political decisions that have led to the country’s challenges, including odious debt, economic decline, and rising youth unemployment.
The Busia County Gig provided a platform for participants to learn about the UGM Party, its green ideology, and its vision for a sustainable Kenya. The event also reinforced the importance of youth participation in politics as a pathway to meaningful change. The UGM County Gigs represent a movement towards a greener, innovative, and empowered future for Kenya.
We look forward to engaging with more youth across the country during future gigs for inspiration, meaningful political engagement, and fun as we work together to build a better tomorrow for our country. Kumekucha!