Leaders and educationists in Machakos County marked the International Youth Day 2024 celebrations where they highlighted the need for the youth to equip themselves with digital skills to tap into emerging global opportunities.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti said that her government was in the process of setting up the Machakos County Youth Service, an initiative where Computer studies and Agriculture will be compulsory training areas for the youth who will enroll.
Speaking in Kalama during a public participation forum for the proposed amendment of the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Act 2022, the Governor said that the Service, which the amended Act seeks to establish, will enable the youth to engage in the digital economy and also grow enough food to feed her people.
Youth who turned up at the public participation forums in Kalama, Kathiani and Masii in Mwala supported the enactment of the law and raised various concerns to be addressed by the county government including the provision of irrigation pumps, water tanks and car wash machines among other needs.
Separately, Mumbuni Technical Training College Director Dr. Collins Kitaka urged the youth to join technical and vocational institutions to equip themselves with skills which will give them an advantage in job market.
He said that even the jobs that the Government was advertising for Kenyan youth to work abroad would require people who were well prepared and skilled in digital technology.
“We urge youth to join TVET institutions and pursue technological courses because countries that have advanced have embraced technology. Right now we are training our students on Motor Vehicle Mechanics and the vehicles are fitted with modern computer technology and so we have advanced in that direction,” said Dr. Kitaka.
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Dr. Kitaka said that the College was currently hosting students from other institutions in Eastern region for the NITA exams as the institution was equipped with modern facilities.
Mlolongo/Syokimau Ward MCA Daniel Ndwiki urged the youth not to give up hope but be more involved in politics and governance so as to influence the future affairs of the country.
This year’s International Youth Day was themed; ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways to Sustainable Development.’
By Stephen Muthini
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