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Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has called on the youth to shift their focus from job-seeking to job creation through self-employment and innovation. Speaking at the Maragoli Hills Ecosystem Restoration Conference in Friends Primary School Ideleri, the governor addressed concerns raised by a young attendee regarding the rising youth unemployment crisis in the county.
Ottichilo emphasized that while public and private sector jobs remain limited, self-employment offers scalable and sustainable avenues for economic independence. He reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises that exhibit innovation, resilience, and alignment with the green economy.
As part of his broader development agenda, the governor highlighted environmental conservation as a gateway to job creation. He announced that 162 beehives are set for installation at Maragoli Hills under the county’s reforestation project. Additionally, the county plans to establish a honey processing plant, a value-addition facility expected to create direct employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and women.
Aquila Lwanga, the County Director of Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources, echoed this vision by encouraging youth to form structured groups such as environmental conservation teams or tree nursery associations. She stressed that formal organization increases the chances of receiving government or donor funding and ensures accountability and long-term impact.
Lwanga further urged young people to explore eco-friendly, non-traditional agricultural enterprises like apiculture, which not only protect the environment but also offer sustainable sources of income. By investing in green ventures, she said, Vihiga’s youth can unlock new markets and contribute to Kenya’s broader environmental goals. Governor Ottichilo’s message was clear: the future belongs to innovative, self-driven young people who are willing to venture into new spaces and create value within their communities.
