At least 150 young people from Kajiado North have completed a fully sponsored driving training programme under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), equipping them with skills expected to improve their employability and economic independence.
The graduates, drawn from the constituency’s five wards, were awarded National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) interim driving licenses and certificates after successfully completing the annual programme.
The initiative, launched in January by Kajiado North Member of Parliament Onesmus Ngogoyo in partnership with Rocky Driving School, is aimed at enhancing youth employability by providing practical skills that are increasingly in demand in the job market.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Ongata Rongai, Ngogoyo urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity by using their newly acquired skills to secure employment or create self-employment opportunities.
He noted that a driving license has become an added advantage in many professions, including the rapidly expanding transport and ride-hailing sectors, where employers often seek candidates with additional practical skills.
“The skills you have acquired should open doors to employment and self-reliance. Many employers today prefer applicants with driving skills, giving you a competitive edge in the job market,” said Ngogoyo.
The legislator also called on the graduates to uphold road safety by observing traffic laws and demonstrating discipline behind the wheel.
“I urge all beneficiaries to adhere to the road safety rules you have been taught. We want you to become responsible drivers and positive ambassadors of this programme,” he added.
Ngogoyo said Rocky Driving School was selected to implement the programme because of its branches in Ngong, Matasia, Kiserian, and Ongata Rongai, making the training easily accessible to participants across the constituency.
Beneficiaries lauded the initiative, saying it had provided them with valuable skills that would expand their employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Francis Mwangi, one of the graduates from Ongata Rongai, said obtaining a driving license had significantly enhanced his prospects in the labour market.
Another beneficiary, Terry Lepeso, thanked the NG-CDF for investing in youth empowerment and commended the driving school for providing quality training.
“The programme has given us skills that will positively impact our lives. Besides improving our chances of getting jobs, we have also learned road safety, which will make us responsible drivers,” Lepeso said, urging the constituency to continue expanding the programme to benefit more young people.
Ngogoyo affirmed that the NG-CDF-sponsored driving programme will continue to be offered annually and encouraged more young people to apply in future cohorts as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment through skills development.
By Peter Muteti
