Meru County’s informal sector has received a significant boost with the arrival of 20X Entrepreneur’s transformative initiative, Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities, aimed at bridging the unemployment gap by training and connecting local artisans, SMEs, and entrepreneurs with job opportunities.

With the construction of 279 affordable housing units set to begin in Timau Town, North Imenti Constituency, the program seeks to position local contractors, suppliers, and artisans for these and other government-supported projects within the county.

The initiative aligns with 20X Entrepreneur’s mission to integrate Kenya’s informal sector into the Affordable Housing Programme while expanding Meru’s economic landscape beyond its traditional agricultural identity.

While addressing attendees, 20X Entrepreneur CEO Eunice Maina underscored Meru’s economic potential, citing its large population and untapped resources as key advantages for growth.

"This county holds such great potential for turning around the Kenyan economy, not only does Meru have the backing of man-power but it is filled with raw and valuable resources that are not yet tapped into," Maina remarked.

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"20X Entrepreneur is here to help you see these resources and opportunities, and guide you on how to grow yourself within the informal sector."

The initiative was made possible through partnerships with Bingwa.ke, a digital platform linking artisans and retailers to job openings, The Federation of Jua Kali Associations, and United Manpower, a recruitment firm accredited by the National Employment Authority (NEA).

Over 400 attendees participated in the training and empowerment sessions, which focused on equipping informal sector workers with hands-on skills in technology, financial literacy, and marketing strategies to enhance business sustainability.

Following its successful roll-out in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kwale, Homa Bay, Nyeri, and Uasin Gishu-Eldoret, the Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities initiative is now focused on Meru, fostering economic empowerment through collaborations.

Maina called for joint efforts from both the government and private sector to ensure long-term employment solutions in the county.

She appealed to the government, policy makers, financial institutions and training institutions to collaborate to change the unemployment narrative in Meru.

"These Affordable Housing Initiatives not only provide the best platform for transforming the lives of the citizens of Meru but also of the local workers who work on these projects," she added.

As Meru continues to grow, initiatives such as these provide a crucial link between the informal sector and national development projects.

By equipping workers with essential skills and linking them to structured job opportunities, the programme seeks to ensure long-term economic transformation.

The challenge now lies in sustaining these efforts beyond the training sessions.

Whether through policy changes, increased investment, or further collaborations, the success of Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities in Meru will depend on continued engagement from both the public and private sectors.