The Government and non governmental organisations (NGOs) have been implored upon to boost local startups with incentives in a bid to create a more jobs for the youth.
According to US Ambassador Meg Whitman there is alot of potential in the youths especially when in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting with the finalists of the Mombasa plastic prize competition at the Swahilipot hub, Whitman reiterated the need for government and other institutions support to local start ups and entrepreneurs.
The Mombasa Plastics Prize aimed to encourage innovation and awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in Mombasa County, by inspiring the development of solutions that tackle the problem of marine plastic waste mismanagement within informal settlements. The incubator, funded by USAID, is being managed by Challenge Works in close collaboration with a range of businesses and hubs working across the innovation ecosystem in Mombasa County.
"You are tackling a very important problem that is the circular economy and recycling peoples waste. I think you are lucky in that right now the world is at a turning point. I have been following the circular economy for the last 30 years nd it has never gotten much traction in the world but in the last couple of years it has been a concern and everyone is working on it and we are being led by your generation. I love the idea and the entrepreneurial aspect of it" said Whitman.
Adding "As you think about plastic, I think the communities need to be educated and until there is value put on waste you are relying on just people good intentions. So there has to be money put on it, if there can be incentives. if the community can earn an extra shilling a day from it then that can bring a difference. I think if the government and companies can say how to we put value on waste i think that will be absolutely good."
Whitman who earlier had a meeting with the Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nasir. called on the young entrepreneur not to give up despite the several challenges that they might be facing.
"Another major challenge I know is financing, it is hard to raise money for what to do, you have to pay people and often that is the hardest thing to raise. I would advise you to approach this big companies to give you this finances, the government that can also be helpful here. Being an entrepreneur is hard, it is really hard there are obstacles everyday that are thrown your way, there are challenges. I would like to encourage you to stay strong and go on you are essential to the future of the country and the world. Many people think it is so easy to be an entrepreneur but it is not. I hope the government and companies can help you."
On his part Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya challenged the youth to take advantage of the circular economy to create employement.
"There is alot of potential in the waste business, there is alot of money in it. Our youth need to now come out and explore this sector, as the county government we are ready to support them. " said Thoya.
Adding "You see, if our youths are engaged in such serious business then the crime rate in our county will also go down, there will be no more attacks in our areas"
Thoya further revealed that the county might consider privatizing waste management in the county.
"This is the only way that I think we can deal with the issue of waste and garbage in the county, right now it is the county government that is mandated with collection of garbage and we have seen how our people are reacting towards it. We have already advised the governor on privitization of garbage collection and waste management in the county and we are still waiting for what he will say, but this will also involved public participation, as you know as a government we cannot just wake up and decide on it so dont go out there and start saying that we are privatizing it" noted Thoya.
