KeNHA Pick 300 Youth for Special Program From 2,500 Applicants

Some of the 300 youth selected for a KeNHA empowerment programme pose for a photo
Some of the 300 youth selected for a KeNHA empowerment programme pose for a photo.
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Only 300 youth were picked to join a special programme rolled out by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) despite 2,500 applicants expressing interest.

In a statement, KeNHA noted that the beneficiaries of a scholarship programme under the Kenol - Sagana - Marua Highway Improvement Project (KSMHIP) reported to the various institutions where they have been sponsored for technical training. 

The authority further disclosed that 750 people had been interviewed for the programme but only 300 sailed through.

"In the programme, students have been enrolled in technical training institutions to enhance their skills in various technical fields.

Some of the 300 youth selected for a KeNHA empowerment programme during a class session
Some of the 300 youth selected for a KeNHA empowerment programme during a class session.
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"Out of a total of 2500 applicants, 750 were interviewed and a final 300 were selected in a rigorous process that was conducted in partnership with representatives from County Governments," read the statement in part.

The scholarship program has a representation of students from the counties that the project traverses through which are Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang'a.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a representative from KeNHA revealed that after the training, some of the trainees will be absorbed in the road project while others will join other sectors.   

"We shall carry out a review. This is an empowerment programme and the students are undertaking different programmes including tailoring," stated the representative.

The training program, which is a partnership between KeNHA and the African Development Bank, is aimed at building economic capabilities through self-development.

Similar programmes have been undertaken in Mombasa County under the construction of the Mombasa - Mariakani Highway Project - Lot 1 and in Eldoret under the Eldoret Bypass road project.

The construction of the highway is already underway and the road forms a significant section of the corridor connecting the Port of Mombasa to Addis Ababa through Nairobi, Isiolo and Moyale.

The highway is expected to be completed in 2024.

Construction ongoing along Kenol - Sagana - Marua Highway Improvement Project.
Construction ongoing on Kenol - Sagana - Marua Highway Improvement Project.
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