Bomet County Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir has officially launched a youth training programme where through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund selected individuals would be sponsored to join driving schools.
In the programme aimed at empowering the youth in Bomet County, 250 youths have already been trained and issued with smart driving licences, marking a major stride in youth skills development and employability.
Speaking at Chepkorkong Primary School in Chepalungu Sub-County, during the flagging off event for the programme, the MP underscored the importance of equipping young people with practical, income-generating skills, noting that driving remains one of the most marketable trade in today’s job market.
The initiative will benefit 10 youths from each of the 25 wards across Bomet County, offering them fully funded training under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The programme aims to open up opportunities for employment in both the public and private transport sectors, while reducing the high rate of youth unemployment in the region.
Chepkorir urged the selected beneficiaries to make the most use of the opportunity, emphasizing that the slots were highly competitive due to overwhelming interest from across the county.
“We received numerous applications from across Bomet, but only a limited number could be selected. This is a rare chance for you to gain a valuable skill at no cost. Please take the training seriously and ensure you complete it,” she said.
She confirmed that all trainees who successfully complete the course would receive smart driving licences fully funded by NGAAF, a move she said aligns with the government’s broader agenda of empowering ordinary citizens through skills development.
“This programme resonates with the President William Ruto’s hustler initiative of uplifting ordinary Kenyans. I, too, was elected as a hustler, and I remain committed to supporting and empowering the youth of Bomet with skills to secure a better future,” she added.
The Woman Representative also appealed to parents and guardians to play a proactive role in guiding and monitoring their children, especially as the festive season approaches, a period often associated with rising cases of child neglect and abuse.
“As we move into the festive season, I urge parents to be vigilant and supportive. Let us work together to ensure our children stay focused, responsible, and safe. Many cases of defilement and exploitation occur during such periods,” she warned.
The driving school initiative is expected to significantly boost economic prospects for youths in Bomet, preparing them for opportunities in logistics, public transportation, and related sectors. For many families, the programme represents not just a step toward employment but a pathway to long-term financial stability.
By Nickson Terer
