Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development: ENABLE Youth Program

Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development: Empowering Youth through Agribusiness

Overview of the ENABLE Youth Program

The ENABLE Youth Program is a strategic initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development to empower young Kenyans aged 18 to 35 by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and financial resources necessary to succeed in agribusiness. This program is co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya (GoK), reflecting a strong commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. The program’s primary goal is to create gainful employment, generate income for the youth, and bridge succession gaps in agribusiness and related value chains.

Key Objectives of the ENABLE Youth Program

The ENABLE Youth Program aims to:

• Create business opportunities and decent employment for youth along priority agricultural value chains in Kenya.
• Enhance youth agribusiness skills through a comprehensive incubation, mentorship, and coaching model.
• Facilitate access to credit through partnerships with financial institutions like the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).
• Generate income and improve livelihoods for youth by enabling them to own and manage profitable agribusiness ventures.

Program Implementation Model

The ENABLE Youth Program employs an incubation approach to train and empower youth in agribusiness. The model involves:

• Incubation/Training: Youth are provided with intensive training at selected Youth Agribusiness Incubation Centers (YABICs). These centers are designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to run successful agribusinesses.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Following the training, participants receive ongoing mentorship and coaching to help them apply what they have learned and overcome challenges in their businesses.
• Linkage to Finance: Once successfully incubated, youth are linked to financing opportunities through the AFC and other financial institutions, enabling them to scale their ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ENABLE Youth Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Education: Applicants should hold a Secondary Certificate, Diploma, or Degree.
• Interest in Agribusiness: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in agribusiness. Youth who are already running agribusinesses will have an added advantage.

Priority Value Chains

The ENABLE Youth Program focuses on specific agricultural value chains that have been identified as having high potential for growth and profitability. These include:

• Poultry (Indigenous, Exotic, Broilers, Improved Indigenous)
• Vegetable Production
• Dairy Farming
• Fingerlings and Table Fish Production
• Beef Production
• Pasture Farming
• Mushroom Cultivation
• Piggery

Program Timeline

The ENABLE Youth Program will be conducted over a period of five years. During this time, it is expected to:

• Train and empower 2,080 youth agricultural entrepreneurs.
• Generate 1,200 agribusinesses.
• Create 8,000 direct jobs in the agricultural sector.

The program’s total cost is estimated at USD 3.63 million, with the AfDB contributing USD 3 million, the GoK contributing USD 0.33 million, and the AFC contributing USD 0.3 million.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible youth can apply for the ENABLE Youth Program through the following steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development’s official website at www.kilimo.go.ke for detailed information about the program.
2. Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form available below.
3. Recruitment Period: The recruitment process will run from 1st September to 31st October 2024.

For further inquiries, contact the ENABLE Youth Program team via email at enableyouth@kilimo.go.ke.

Program Impact

The ENABLE Youth Program is poised to make a significant impact on Kenya’s agricultural sector by:

• Empowering youth to take ownership of their future through profitable agribusiness ventures.
• Reducing youth unemployment by creating thousands of new jobs in the agricultural value chain.
• Enhancing food security by increasing the production of key agricultural products.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative approaches to farming.

TELEGRAM CHANNEL

The ENABLE Youth Program represents a unique opportunity for young Kenyans to transform their lives through agribusiness. By providing the necessary training, mentorship, and financial support, the program aims to create a new generation of agripreneurs who will drive Kenya’s agricultural sector forward.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development is committed to supporting youth in their journey towards becoming successful agribusiness entrepreneurs. We encourage all eligible youth to seize this opportunity and apply for the program.

Share This Opportunity

Please share this job opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in making a difference in Kenya’s agricultural sector. Sharing this job listing will help us reach potential candidates who are passionate about creating a sustainable and prosperous future for themselves and their communities.