Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Susan Auma Mang’eni, has cautioned youth benefiting from the Nyota programme against using the funds for betting or other non-business purposes.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at Kinoru Stadium, Mang’eni urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, warning against the temptation of quick money through gambling. She noted that the government had put in place strict mechanisms to ensure the funds cannot be transferred to betting platforms.
A total of 6,720 youth from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties are set to benefit from the programme.
Mang’eni explained that the money, disbursed through Pochi la Biashara, is deliberately restricted and will not work on betting sites. Delivering her remarks in a humorous but firm tone, she drew laughter from the crowd as she cautioned against gambling.
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“There are betting platforms such as Aviator and SportPesa, but the funds are not intended for gambling. The Pochi la Biashara system has been deliberately structured so that payments for betting will not be processed,” she said.
The PS emphasized that the restrictions were intentional and aimed at protecting young people from losing the funds through gambling, while ensuring the money is used strictly for business purposes. She noted that the strategy is designed to ensure the funds serve their intended purpose of supporting sustainable enterprises.
She further cautioned beneficiaries against using the money to send transport fare, joking that anyone in need of fare should approach her directly. Her remarks once again drew laughter from the audience.
“That money isn’t for sending fare. If you want to send fare, just look for me so that I can give you fare. Please don’t ask or send anyone fare using that money,” Mang’eni said.
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Beyond the humour, the PS reminded the youth that the programme includes a two-month mentorship period after the funds are disbursed. She said trained professionals would closely work with the beneficiaries to guide them and ensure their businesses succeed.
Mang’eni warned against the assumption that one could take the money and disappear, noting that the government has beneficiaries’ details and locations. However, she emphasized that the mentorship process is primarily meant to support the youth while ensuring accountability and responsible use of public funds.
“We have professionals who trained you and are ready to walk with you for two months to ensure you succeed. Those who think they are clever and will take the money and vanish should know that we even know where you live, and you will not escape us in this journey,” she said.
She also cautioned beneficiaries against falling victim to fraudsters, warning them not to click suspicious links circulating online, which she said were being used by scammers to steal personal information and money.
By John Majau
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