Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has officially launched the Machakos Youth Empowerment Programme dubbed Machakos Youth Service (MYS) meant to equip and empower 1000 youths with reliable life skills.
The program which was launched at the Agricultural Training Centre in Machakos will see a total of 1000 youth drawn from the 40 wards in Machakos trained in life skills such as discipline, timekeeping, teamwork and hard work for 21 days.
The Governor while speaking during the launch said that she plans to have 2000 youths benefit from the programme every year and domiciled at the fully equipped Agricultural centre to save them from the influence of illicit drugs and brews.
She added that after the 21 days at the MYS, where they will be provided with uniform, food, accommodation and other basic needs, they will then proceed to modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres (TVETs), in Mitaboni, Kyemutheke, Matuu, Masii and Kaliluni in a batch of 200 cohorts per vocational center where they will gain various skills and graduate in four months.
The Governor added that after the four months at the TVETs the county will further empower each beneficiary with a sum of Sh15,000 to give them a head start in self-employment and self-development projects that will save them from being misused by politicians.
“Youth empowerment is not mobilizing the youth to cause chaos, youth empowerment is equipping children with skills and knowledge that will propel them further in their careers,” added Wavinya.
Wavinya emphasized that her end goal for MYS is to create a community that is financially successful where the electorate can have an equal chance to survive.
“Do not allow background to define your future, take charge of your destiny,” advised the governor.
She further noted that the recruits being pioneers of the program are expected to set high standards for future generations and to focus on patriotism, discipline and self-esteem gained during the training.
On her part Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko acknowledged the efforts of the governor in giving her best to Machakos and encouraged other governors to emulate her.
Ouko encouraged the youth to take advantage of the MYS to transform their lives with skills that they will be taught in the institutions.
“This will help you in building patriotism and hard work where you become the best in what you do while serving your country and I urged other governors to emulate,” said the County Commissioner.
The launch was attended by all the Deputy County Commissioners from the 9 Sub counties, several MCAs and all the CECM among other guests.
By Anne Kangero
