Meru Youth Service (MYS) Chief Executive Officer CPA Edwin Murangiri has announced that the institution will hold its fifth cohort pass-out ceremony on June 4, 2026, marking the completion of the first phase of training for hundreds of young people enrolled in the county programme.
Speaking at the Meru Youth Service headquarters in Meru Town, Murangiri said the programme, established through an Act of the Meru County Assembly, has become a key tool for empowering young people by equipping them with discipline, life skills and opportunities for economic independence.
Meru Youth Service (MYS) Chief Executive Officer CPA Edwin Murangiri. Photo by Brian Gitonga
The CEO said the program has recorded significant success since its inception, noting that many beneficiaries joined while struggling with social challenges but have since undergone positive transformation. He said the initiative has helped restore confidence among participants and prepared them to play productive roles in society.
Murangiri noted that the program’s mentorship component has enabled many young people to overcome destructive habits and develop a sense of responsibility that was previously lacking.
“We have been mentoring youths who joined the programme as alcoholics with low self-esteem. Today, they have been transformed through the training and are now responsible young men and women,” said CPA Murangiri.
Meru Youth Service (MYS) Chief Executive Officer CPA Edwin Murangiri addresses the Press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
The CEO attributed much of the transformation to the discipline component of the program, which includes paramilitary-style training. He said the training has not only changed the behavior of participants but has also improved public perception of young people who were previously associated with crime and other social vices.
He noted that communities are already witnessing the benefits of the program through improved conduct among graduates and a reduction in cases of youth-related misconduct.
“Discipline training, which we call paramilitary training, has helped these youths change their lives. Some of them were thieves, but now they are responsible young men and women, and the change is evident in the community,” said CPA Murangiri.
The CEO announced that the pass-out ceremony will take place at the Meru Showground and is expected to be attended by Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku. The event will mark the completion of the first phase of training before participants proceed to vocational institutions for specialized skills training.
Murangiri said graduates will be allowed to choose courses based on their interests and career aspirations, including hairdressing, fashion design, electrical installation, mechanical works and plumbing. He explained that the skills acquired will help them secure livelihoods and reduce dependence on others.
“These youths will choose courses of their own, including hairdressing, fashion design, electrical wiring, mechanical works and plumbing. Whatever course they choose will help them earn a living in the future,” said CPA Murangiri.
The CEO further described the program as a major investment in both youth development and community stability. He said many participants who were previously idle have become productive members of society, contributing to peace and economic growth within their communities.
Meru Youth service recruits participate in the training. Photo: Courtesy of MYS
Murangiri added that the county government supports participants through a daily stipend of KSh 500, a move he said strengthens their economic well-being while creating a positive ripple effect in their households and communities.
“Once these youths are economically empowered, the communities they come from will also benefit. This is what we term economic empowerment,” explained CPA Murangiri
Edited by John Majau
