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{
    "id": 662167,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/662167/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 198,
    "type": "other",
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    "content": "activities while, at the same time, providing them with opportunities to serve our country. We shall continue supporting that programme for the benefit of our youth who acquire artisanal skills, crafts and technical training. The skills gained will enable the youth to contribute to our national economic development. So as to meet the commitments we have made to our youth through the NYS, I am allocating Kshs21.1 billion towards gender and youth empowerment programmes. To further address the issue of youth unemployment, we shall be implementing the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) funded by the World Bank. This programme targets to increase access to youth-targeted employment programmes and improve their employability. Hon. Speaker, last year, I proposed to introduce a tax rebate scheme for employers who employ and train at least 10 fresh graduates for a period of between six and 12 months. I have developed the regulations and I will be proposing to gazette them under the Tax Measures. This is to make our young graduates employable by preparing them for the job market so that they can contribute to nation building. The Government recognises the role of Small and Micro-Enterprises (SMEs) as a source of employment. As noted in my statement last year, growth of this segment continues to be hindered by inadequate capital. In addition, limited market access, poor infrastructure, inadequate knowledge and skills, rapid changes in technology and, sometimes, unfriendly laws and regulations continue to hamper the growth of SMEs in Kenya. To address those challenges, we will continue:- (i) entrenching Buy-Kenya-Build-Kenya policy in all public procurement; (ii) enforcing the legislation on preferences and reservations that require, at least, 40 per cent local content in all public projects; (iii) continuing to increase allocations to the Uwezo Fund and the Youth and Women Enterprise Fund (YWEF) by Kshs1.6 billion in the 2016/17 Financial Year; (iv) supporting Small and Medium Enterprises to acquire small industrial plants for value addition of agricultural products currently produced under the Jua Kali ; and, (v) supporting research and development to boost science, technology and innovation. Hon. Speaker, some of the economic stimulus projects that were initiated a while ago remain incomplete. In order to complete those projects, I have allocated a total of Kshs1.6 billion for upgrading of the national schools, purchase of computers, aquaculture development and for prototype fresh produce and wholesale markets."
}