Over 40 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in Kilifi have received tools of trade worth Sh3 million in a life-changing intervention aimed at enabling them to start businesses and improve their livelihoods. The support was provided under the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) programme.
The beneficiaries, drawn from a wider group of 180 students supported through KEMFSED scholarships, were equipped with tools aligned to their areas of training, including tailoring, beauty therapy, and electrical installation.
The initiative seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing TVET graduates—lack of start-up capital and equipment.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Roka Vocational Training College on Monday, Kilifi County Chief Officer for the Blue Economy Geoffrey Mwango said the intervention is designed to prevent skilled youth from sliding into economic stagnation after training.
He noted that many graduates complete training but struggle to transition into self-employment due to lack of tools.
“It is not just about taking a student to college to get a certificate and end there. Basically, we wanted to equip this person so that once they leave school, they can stand on their own and start working, rather than start struggling again,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by KEMFSED County Project Coordinator Lucy Kapombe, who said the provision of tools is aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship among young people.
“We managed to give them tools of trade so they can become self-employed. Even before they secure formal employment, these tools can help them start generating income,” she said.
The programme is implemented under KEMFSED with funding from the World Bank as part of broader efforts to strengthen socio-economic resilience in coastal communities and support youth empowerment through skills development.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it would help them overcome long-standing barriers to employment. Many said lack of equipment had forced them to miss job opportunities despite having relevant skills.
One of the beneficiaries, Kadzo Mkare, said the support would help her finally put her training into practice after struggling to access essential equipment.
“Today I am happy because I have always wished to get these tools. I have missed many job opportunities because I did not have the equipment. I studied Fashion and Design, and it has been a challenge because I kept borrowing sewing machines, and at times I would be denied,” she said.
Another graduate, Benson Menza, said lack of tools had often reduced skilled graduates to casual labourers despite their qualifications.
“After finishing school, I faced challenges getting tools. When you are invited for a job, you are asked, ‘Where are your tools?’ When you say you don’t have any, they treat you as a casual labourer even though you are a skilled technician,” he said.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for the Blue Economy Patteson Chula Mwagona said the initiative reflects the county’s commitment to supporting youth through practical empowerment rather than training alone.
He said equipping graduates with tools ensures they can immediately apply their skills in income-generating activities, reducing dependency and improving livelihoods.
By Jackson Msanzu
