Kwale: National and County government leaders in Kwale have underscored the importance of investing in education and skills development as a key driver of socio-economic transformation and national prosperity. Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Kwale Baraza Park in Tsimba Golini Ward, Matuga Sub-County, the leaders said equipping young people with quality education and practical skills is essential for preparing them to take advantage of future opportunities and contribute to the country’s development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the celebrations were held under the national theme, ‘Education, Skills, and the Future,’ highlighting the critical role of learning and innovation in shaping Kenya’s future. Kwale County Commissioner David Rotich called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to work together to ensure every child has access to quality education and vocational training opportunities. Rotich emphasized that education remains the strongest foundation for national development and economic transformation, stating, “By investing in knowledge and skills today, we are preparing a generation that will transform our communities and secure Kenya’s future prosperity.”
The event was jointly presided over by Rotich and Kwale County Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and attended by National and County government officials, security officers, administrators, and local leaders. Addressing residents, Deputy Governor Kombo highlighted the strides made by the County Government of Kwale in the education sector through programmes implemented under the leadership of Governor Fatuma Achani. He noted that the County’s flagship Elimu ni Sasa programme has supported the education of more than 30,000 secondary school students across the County’s 20 wards since its inception.
Kombo further explained that the County has sponsored over 10,000 university students through its bursary programme and increased bursary allocations from Sh400 million to Sh500 million to cater to the growing number of needy learners. To strengthen early childhood education, the County government has constructed more than 500 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms and employed over 900 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. Additionally, the County has established 43 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and employed 134 instructors to equip young people with practical technical skills.
The Deputy Governor attributed these achievements to devolution, noting that many families in the County had previously struggled to educate their children because of poverty. “For many years, the people of Kwale lagged behind in education because of poverty, and many parents could not afford school fees. Today, no child should remain at home because of a lack of school fees,” he said. Kombo also lauded the County government’s efforts to empower women, youth, and persons living with disabilities through economic inclusion programmes, highlighting that over 150 registered limited companies have secured government tenders.
Tsimba Golini Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Mwachuo Mwaboza, called for enhanced collaboration between the National and County governments to improve educational infrastructure and expand opportunities for youth training and employment. He asserted that investment in education and skills development would help address unemployment and accelerate socio-economic growth in the county.
