Machakos: A second batch of 1700 youths have graduated from the Machakos Youth Service (MYS) and are heading to the various Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centers in the county to develop and acquire hands-on training for specialized jobs.
According to Kenya News Agency, the graduation and pass-out ceremony was presided over by Machakos Governor, Wavinya Ndeti, at her office grounds where she highlighted the importance of youth empowerment as an economic strategy. The initiative aims to ensure that the youths are productive and innovative by prioritizing their skill development.
Governor Wavinya stated that the youths were selected from the 40 wards and will proceed to the eight TVET centers for fully sponsored three-month courses in various career fields. These fields include electrical and electronics, culinary arts, automotive mechanics, plumbing, masonry, welding, cosmetology, fashion, and DJ-ing.
Wavinya emphasized, “Skills and knowledge are the foundation of success, and empowering our youths with practical skills propels them to a stronger and brighter future.”
She also mentioned that her government has equipped the eight TVET centers in the county with world-class infrastructure and tools. This ensures that the courses and skills offered align with international standards, allowing graduates to receive their NITA certificate, which will validate their skills and open doors to informal employment and entrepreneurship.
Governor Wavinya further stressed, “We are focusing on high-demand, market-driven sectors such as digital skills, logistics, and professional driving. We are not just giving you a certificate but a license to earn and develop yourselves.”
The governor noted that the MYS was initiated following the GenZ protests, where she gathered insights from the youths and discovered their need to be heard, empowered, and to enhance their skills. She added that her vision has always been to transform the youths through various interventions.
“My administration does not view youth empowerment as a social project or campaign slogan but purely as an economic strategy as we are building an economic powerhouse,” declared Wavinya.
