The World Vision International has provided work equipment to over 200 youths from Kerio Valley in Marakwet East who graduated from technical and vocational training centres and polytechnics in a bid to enable them venture into self-employment.
The youth had been enrolled in training programmes sponsored by the Swedish government through the World Vision targeting youth in the banditry prone zone aimed at creating alternative source of income for self-reliance.
Speaking during the event held at Chesongoch Polytechnic, County CEC for Education Edwin Kibor said the equipment will go a long way in assisting the youth generate income through technical skills and shun reliance on animal keeping.
“Among the youth receiving trade equipment are reformed bandits who shun the vice and decided to venture into meaningful activities to foster peace and change livelihoods of communities,” he said.
Kibor said the assorted tools of trade distributed to the skilled youth cover general skills ranging from motor vehicle mechanic to beauty therapy.
He called on the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and work equipment to develop themselves economically.
Kibor further intimated that the county government has put in place several measures aimed at improving the welfare of the youth in generating jobs and open avenues for international opportunities singling out the Pepea initiative; student airlifting programme.
On his part World Vision programme coordinator Moses Kiptugen said the organisation took the initiative to tap on the skills of the youth adding that the communities will reap big from it.
He lauded the Swedish government for accepting to fund the project saying livelihoods of the people will change creating a peaceful co-existence.
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He said the organisation through its Ujuzi Mashinani programme is committed to invest in youth and communities in ASAL areas.
“The programme has been a success. We envision prosperity of communities as we endeavour to invest in the skills of the people to enable them make a meaningful live. When the youth are equipped with the required skills, livelihoods will change,” Kiptugen remarked.
Matthew Chebii, one of the beneficiaries of the initiative said his life has changed since he graduated with a certificate in masonry saying the tools received will improve his operations and at the same time offer services to the community.
“My life will be different. These tools come in handy in improving how to operate and increase income. I endevour to serve my community with my skills,” he said.
He called on school leavers to enroll in vocational training institutions to acquire skills.
By Philemon Kiprop
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