By Mwanaharusi Jilo & Allan Kai
Mombasa, Kenya - October 3, 2023 – The ongoing Pwani Innovation Week at the Swahilipot Hub is being hailed as a monumental success in tackling the challenge of youth unemployment. The event features dignitaries and innovators from across the Swahili Coast region.
H.E. Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, the esteemed chief guest and Governor of Mombasa County, showered praise upon the event and Swahilipot, underscoring their vital role in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment among the youth.
Charlene Ruto addresses the innovators at the official launch of the Pwani Innovation Week. Photo: Swahilipot Hub Media
Governor Nassir, who once served as the Member of Parliament for Mvita, highlighted his longstanding support for Swahilipot and credited their efforts for helping him secure his position as the second governor of Mombasa County. He lauded Swahilipot's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, which he described as the driving force behind Mombasa's economic progress.
In a moment of pride, Governor Nassir announced the upcoming launch of the "Fursa App." This innovative mobile application will revolutionize the job market in Mombasa by connecting job seekers with employers seamlessly. The Fursa App will allow individuals to create detailed profiles, including their biographical information and job skills, making it easier for companies to identify suitable candidates and hire them through the platform.
Governor Nassir emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that Mombasa residents could take pride in this locally developed solution, which reduces the city's reliance on external assistance.
Being the second day of the Pwani Innovation Wee, the day began with a thought-provoking panel of speakers, featuring experts from various fields.
Alice Kimani, representing Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), shared insights into their capacity-building programs, which have played a pivotal role in nurturing local talents. Kimani explained how these programs have created opportunities for a diverse range of skills, including fundi (artisans) and mama fua (domestic workers).
She also highlighted the KEPSA-developed app, which connects youth with job opportunities through www.ajiradigital.go.ke. The impact of KEPSA's initiatives on the lives of young people, particularly in Mombasa, was nothing short of remarkable.
Charlene Ruto, a prominent youth champion, elaborated on the theme of the Pwani Innovation Week, which focused on "Sailing beyond borders." Ruto stressed the importance of resilience and time as key ingredients for success in entrepreneurship and innovation.
She underscored that the program empowers youth by giving them a voice, drawing attention to their ideas, and providing avenues for growth. Ruto passionately called upon investors to not only appreciate innovative ideas but also invest in them, recognizing their potential to transform the region's economic landscape.
The Pwani Innovation Week offers a beacon of hope and tangible solutions for Mombasa youth in their quest for employment and economic prosperity.
Governor Nassir's announcement of the Fursa App and the inspiring words of speakers like Alice Kimani and Charlene Ruto, the coastal region of Kenya is poised to continue its journey of innovation, resilience, and growth.
Swahilipot Hub and its partners have proven that with determination and collective effort, local communities can address their challenges and create a brighter future.
