A recent empowerment forum at State House has sparked controversy after several youths claimed they never received motorcycles promised during the event. The initiative, designed to support young entrepreneurs, came under scrutiny when participants alleged that the boda bodas showcased were not delivered.
One of the supposed beneficiaries, whose video questioning the government went viral, told Citizen TV that after posing for photographs with motorcycles, he was informed delivery would follow but it never did. Another group of 50 young people also accused organizers of deception, alleging that their request for media equipment went unanswered despite assurances.
The complaints triggered widespread criticism, with some branding the forum a hoax. However, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, dismissed the allegations as misinformation.
“Kindly avoid being used as a platform for fake news. No items were issued to individuals. The empowerment targeted 1,150 groups, each consisting of 10 people,” Itumbi said. He clarified that motorcycles were allocated to groups, not individuals, with only group chairpersons authorized to collect them. He further indicated that a second phase of the empowerment programme is scheduled.
The backlash intensified after a fresh batch of motorcycles was issued days later, a move some youths perceived as damage control. But nominated Senator Karen Nyamu rejected claims of mismanagement, insisting that all youths under her docket had received their boda bodas, save for minor omissions affecting “one or two” individuals.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed also defended the process, stating that 1,100 registered groups from Nairobi had their proposals approved and funded. With each group comprising 10 members, he said a total of 11,000 youths benefited.
“Yet Citizen TV interviews just two individuals, skips questions about the actual process, and uses them as authorities to claim unfulfilled promises without even fact-checking with State House,” Mohamed argued.
As both sides stand firm, the row highlights growing concerns over transparency in government-led youth empowerment projects. With another forum in the pipeline, all eyes will be on State House to see whether accountability and clarity will take center stage this time.
