A second batch of 1700 youths have graduated from the Machakos Youth Service (MYS) and are heading to the various Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), in the county to develop and acquire hands-on training for specialized jobs.
The graduation and pass-out ceremony was presided by Machakos Governor, Wavinya Ndeti at her office grounds where she highlighted the importance of youth empowerment as an economic strategy meant to ensure the youths are productive and innovative by prioritizing their skill’s development.
Wavinya said the youths were selected from the 40 wards and will proceed to the eight (TVETs) for a fully sponsored three-month courses in areas of career choice such as electrical and electronics, culinary arts, automotive-mechanic, plumbing, masonry, welding, cosmetology, fashion and DJ-eeing.
“Skills and Knowledge are the foundation of success and empowering our youths with practical skills propels them to a stronger and brighter future,” added Wavinya.
She added that her government has equipped the eight TVETs in the county with world class infrastructure and tools so that the courses and skills offered matched with international standards as well as to receive their NITA certificate that will validate their skills which will open doors to informal employment and entrepreneurship.
“We are focusing on high demand, market driven sectors such as digital skills, logistics and professional driving, we are not just giving you a certificate but a license to earn and develop yourselves,” emphasized the governor
The governor noted that she came up with the MYS, after the GenZ protests, where she collected views from some of them and found what they really needed was to be heard, empowered and enhance their skills adding that her vision has always been to transform the youths through various interventions.
“My administration does not view youth empowerment as a social project or campaign slogan but purely as an economic strategy as we are building an economic powerhouse,” declared Wavinya.
By Anne Kangero
