Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on young people, particularly boda boda operators to enroll in vocational training colleges, saying the institutions offer a pathway to stable employment and long-term economic empowerment.
Speaking during the launch of the Msambweni Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Achani urged boda boda riders to set aside time to attend classes, noting that even short training sessions could significantly broaden their skills and open doors to better-paying opportunities.
Achani said the boda boda sector, though a crucial source of income for many youth, should not be the end goal.
She emphasized the need for riders to think beyond the motorbike business and invest in technical and entrepreneurial courses that can enhance their earning potential.
“Boda boda riders should also take advantage of our TVET and VTC institutions. Just spare at least two hours a day to attend classes, gain skills and earn certifications,” she said.
The governor added that Kwale’s VTCs offer a variety of marketable programs including mechanics, electrical engineering, plumbing, hospitality, ICT and beauty therapy designed to equip young people with hands-on skills that align with current job market demands.
She said many youth remain trapped in cycles of low income not because they lack ambition, but because they lack access to training and certification.
She noted that the county government has invested heavily in upgrading VTCs, subsidizing fees and offering bursaries to ensure no willing youth is locked out.
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Achani further encouraged boda boda riders to view education as an investment rather than an interruption to their daily work, saying flexible learning schedules make it possible for them to study while continuing with their operations.
She also appealed to parents and community leaders to support the youth in seeking skills development, stressing that a skilled generation translates to a more prosperous and self-reliant county.
Achani said many opportunities await young people who show interest in technical courses, noting that skills training remains one of the strongest pillars for economic progress.
She urged the youth to take full advantage of the new VTC now that it is within their reach, encouraging them to enroll in large numbers for both the growth of the institution and their own personal development.
Msambweni VTC manager Salma Nyundo also urged youth to enroll in large numbers and transform their lives through hands-on skills that can guarantee them a competitive edge in the job market.
She applauded the government for its continued support in strengthening the institution, noting that the student population has grown significantly from just 20 learners in 2021 to more than 100 this year.
Nyundo said the expansion is a clear indication that more youth are embracing technical training as a viable path to economic stability.
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Nyundo said that the VTC offers a wide range of courses tailored to meet market demands, including tailoring, masonry, ICT, welding, automotive engineering and hairdressing.
She said these courses are not only affordable but also designed to equip learners with practical skills they can immediately apply in the workplace or use to start their own ventures.
She added that the institution has been modernizing its workshops and acquiring new equipment to ensure trainees receive quality, industry-standard training.
Nyundo said that the move boosts the students confidence and makes them better prepared for employment or self-employment upon graduation.
She further appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to pursue vocational training, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to join university.
She said VTCs offer a realistic and accessible pathway for young people to secure meaningful livelihoods.
By Mwajabe Omar
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