1,160 youths graduate from free technical training programme in Nandi

A total of 1,160 youths in Nandi have graduated from the second cohort of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free We Can Academy, a free technical training programme designed to equip young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.

The programme targets vulnerable youth and offers free training in market-driven courses including digital marketing, event planning, welding, hairdressing and beauty, masonry, catering and camera handling. It aims to give young people a second chance by equipping them with skills to start businesses, secure jobs and participate in the economy.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Nandi County, Governor Stephen Sang said technical skills are essential to addressing youth unemployment and reducing dependence on the limited opportunities in formal employment. He urged graduates to treat their new skills as a pathway to economic independence and to create jobs rather than wait for them.

Mr Sang said the growing number of infrastructure projects by the national and county governments presents significant opportunities for technically skilled youth. He pointed to investments in roads, dams, stadia, affordable housing, markets and hospitals, saying the projects need skilled workers who can take up better-paying positions. He lamented, however, that many young people miss out because they lack the necessary technical competencies.

"Most of the youths who secure jobs in the various projects are absorbed as casual labourers. We want our youths to gain the skills so that they can be engaged as skilled labour and get better pay," he said.

The governor challenged young people to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying practical training would improve their chances of accessing employment and taking part in development projects. He said the county government had expanded vocational training centres across Nandi to bring technical education closer to young people.

Mr Sang credited the partnership with IYF for complementing the county's efforts to address unemployment, noting a significant rise in enrolment. The first cohort attracted 417 trainees, while the second produced 1,160 graduates.

"Today, we celebrate the graduation of 1,160 young people from the second cohort of the International Youth Fellowship Free We Can Academy, a significant milestone in our commitment to youth empowerment through practical skills development," he said.

He said the initiative goes beyond the recognition of prior learning by giving beneficiaries hands-on competencies that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

"We recognise that equipping young people with practical competencies transforms individual lives, strengthens families and contributes to the socio-economic development of our society," he said.

Mr Sang said the county government would continue investing in programmes that promote a skilled and productive generation through the partnership with IYF, and expressed hope that the next cohort would attract even more vulnerable young people.