Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has equipped 967 youth with business startup kits after successfully completing the Machakos Youth Empowerment programme and earning themselves skills and certificates.
The programme, sponsored by the County government of Machakos enables youth to undertake a 3- months training in life skills at Machakos Youth Service Bootcamp before proceeding to various Vocational Training Institutions across the County for a further 6 months where they pursued various courses.
Some of the youths who spoke to Education News at the graduation ceremony cum empowerment event outside the Governor’s office said they had already started practicing what they learnt during the training.
“I studied Beauty Therapy and I am now earning from my skill. I work at SHE’S Beauty Salon in Machakos Town and in a good day I take home Ksh1500,”said Ms Karen Kyalo who is one of the beneficiaries of the MYS programme.
She thanked Governor Wavinya for initiating the programme adding that she would still be languishing at home had the governor not come up with the programme.
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Joel Wambua who graduated with an Artisan certificate in Electrical Engineering said he was yet to get engaged but will now start serving clients using the tool kit given by the County government.
Wambua said he would also wish to further his studies if he secures funding.
Another graduate, Doreen Malive who studied catering is also earning as she works at the County Assembly of Machakos.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Members of the Machakos County Assembly.
Governor Wavinya said the graduation of the 1st MYS Cohort was a realization of a great vision where the youth agenda was being actualized.
“Development is not just about roads and building infrastructure. It is also about empowering people,” she said.
The youths were awarded certificates and start-up kits tailored to their skills.
Speaking at the Ceremony Wipe Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the graduation of the MYS Cohort was historic and significant.
“This celebration is bigger than mere presentation of certificates. It is testimony to what can happen when devolution meets empowerment,” said Musyoka.
He said more resources should be devolved to counties.
Governor Ndeti said through the programme she aimed to empower youth who would create jobs for others, further announcing that a further 1500 youth will join the programme in January 2026.
By Stephen Muthini.
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