- Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has launched a fully funded driving training programme for 100 young people.
- The initiative covers both driving lessons and licensing costs under the NGAAF programme.
- Leaders say technical and vocational training remains key to addressing youth unemployment.
Efforts to expand access to technical and vocational education have received a major boost after Kiambu County Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha launched a fully funded driving training programme for 100 young people under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The programme, which covers both driving instruction and licensing costs, is aimed at equipping participants with practical skills that can enhance employability and create pathways to self-employment in the transport and logistics sectors.
Speaking during the launch, Wamuratha described education and skills development as critical tools for addressing youth unemployment and expanding economic opportunities for young people in Kiambu County.
The initiative forms part of a broader vocational training agenda that has seen hundreds of young people enrolled in market-oriented courses.
The Woman Representative announced that more than 500 students undertaking training in plumbing, catering, hairdressing and beauty therapy are expected to graduate in the coming months.
According to Wamuratha, the expansion of short professional courses is intended to ensure that more young people acquire industry-relevant skills capable of meeting the demands of the modern labour market.
Call for commitment and discipline
She challenged the beneficiaries to approach their training with commitment and discipline, noting that education remains one of the most effective ways of transforming lives and uplifting communities.
“Take this opportunity seriously and focus on your future. The skills you acquire today can open doors to employment, entrepreneurship and personal growth,” she said.
Beyond technical training, the Woman Representative encouraged participants to embrace financial literacy and collective empowerment by forming registered groups and community-based organizations.
She noted that organized groups are often better positioned to access government support programmes, grants and business development opportunities.
Education stakeholders attending the event observed that combining vocational training with mentorship and financial management skills can significantly improve the success rate of youth empowerment programmes.
Focus on mental wellness
Wamuratha also used the occasion to speak on the importance of mental wellness among learners and young professionals.
She urged participants to seek support whenever they face emotional challenges and reminded them that success requires resilience, determination and a positive mindset.
“It is important to have hope and remain focused on your goals. Challenges will come, but education and skills provide a strong foundation for a better future,” she told the trainees.
The legislator further emphasized the value of professionalism, discipline and personal presentation, qualities she said are increasingly important in both training institutions and workplaces.
Investing in human capital
The beneficiaries are expected to undertake their driving lessons at accredited training institutions before sitting for licensing examinations, enabling them to compete for opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Residents and education stakeholders welcomed the programme, describing it as a practical investment in human capital development.
They noted that technical and vocational education has become increasingly important as Kenya seeks to address unemployment through skills-based learning.
As the first cohort begins training, the initiative is expected to contribute to the growing emphasis on vocational education as a driver of economic growth and social transformation in Kiambu County.
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With additional vocational programmes already underway, education leaders have expressed optimism that such interventions will help bridge the skills gap, enhance employability and empower young people to participate meaningfully in the country’s development.
The programme reflects a growing recognition that investing in education, technical training and mentorship is essential in preparing the next generation for future opportunities and challenges.
By Felix Wanderi
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