Winners of the inaugural Business Idea Competition in Uasin Gishu County have been unveiled.
Dubbed Plug Mtaani Vijana Tu Invest Business Idea Program, the competition attracted over 200 youths who submitted their ideas.
In a colourful event held at the county headquarters in Eldoret town, John Paul Tarus was announced the winner.
This is after his business idea that involves turning plastic waste into useful furniture, and learning materials for ECDE learners impressed the judges.
Tarus has since started implementing his ideas but said he needed more resources to upscale it.
Second in the competition was Patience Chemutai whose idea involves developing an application that will make it easy for individuals with mental issues to connect with experts who can help them.
Diana Chelagat was third after her idea that seeks to develop an incinerator that not only burns Waste but also turns into electricity also impressed the judges.
It was a double blessing for Chelagat who was also graduating from the University of Eldoret.
The winner took home Ksh100,000 while the runners-up and the second runners-up were awarded Ksh50,000 and Ksh30,000 respectively.
Also awarded were youths whose ideas stood out in the energy, ICT, Communications, Agribusiness and special award.
Business Idea Competition Sectoral Awards Winners
- ICT – Shadrack Kirwa Tororei
- Energy – Robinson Kamau
- Communication – Camillas Kipchirchir Kemboi
- Agribusiness – Sandra Kate Kemboi
- Creative Arts – Alvin Kipkoech Kiptoo
- Special category (PWD) – Kevin Ombita.
While representing Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot through his speech, thanked them for emerging winners lauding the county youth for embracing the opportunity to participate.
The county boss said his administration will ensure that youth across the sub-counties undergo capacity building across all sectors of business to enable them to actively participate in local and international competitions.
“We will provide linkages, develop business incubators and equip ICT centres with free wifi for our youth to benefit by realizing their untapped potential in innovation,” added Governor Bii.
Governor Bii also challenged them to translate their ideas and venture into business-generating mechanisms, have persistence and never stop learning.
The County Chief added, “We are confident that you will take the price back home.”
Wealth and innovation
Deputy Governor Eng. Barorot noted that Uasin Gishu county will sponsor Tarus to participate in this year’s JuaKali Nguvu Kazi trade fair which will take place on 5th December in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Plug Mtaani National Coordinator Geoffrey Kilonzo thanked the County for opening the doors for its youth to use the opportunity to think about wealth and innovation as well as enabling them to shift towards entrepreneurship.
In addition, Kilonzo said while carrying out vetting for the County, it was challenging choosing between the many winners because they proved to be very innovative reiterating their partnership with various stakeholders that will see these youths absorbed into various sectors.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Cooperatives Martha Cheruto said her docket will continue working on youth-centric opportunities through capacity building, coaching and supporting youth innovations.
The sentiments also echoed by her counterpart for ICT Eng. Lucy Ng’endo.
