Nairobi: Kwale county government has sponsored the first cohort of 80 youth in Mwavumbo Ward, Kinango sub county to undertake driving courses at a local driving school. The devolved government will also help the beneficiaries of the youth empowerment scheme to acquire motor driving licenses.
According to Kenya News Agency, after the completion of the driving training, driver's licenses will be given to the successful trainees in order to enable them to take a suitable driving job career. Area governor Fatuma Achani said the sponsorship is aimed at addressing widespread youth unemployment in the coastal county. She emphasized that the new initiative will help curb unemployment, poverty, and social vices like drug abuse among young people.
'Sponsoring the youth for driving courses is one way of empowering them,' Achani stated, adding that participants will be licensed as fully qualified drivers. The governor, accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo, expressed that the initiative seeks to enhance youth employability and improve road safety.
Achani highlighted that the course, fully sponsored by the county government, is part of her administration's ongoing efforts to empower youth with practical skills for employment and self-reliance. She mentioned that the beneficiaries will receive certified driving licenses, road safety knowledge, and basic vehicle maintenance skills.
'This program is more than just driving lessons, it's about giving our young people the tools they need to be independent, earn a living, and support their families,' she noted, adding that Kwale will commence training of the youths in modern technologies in the automobile industry. Achani also pointed out that while the youth make up the largest portion of the population, they remain among the most marginalized and overlooked in society.
'The youth are brimming with potential, dreams, and energy that need to be tapped by developing their skills to fight youth unemployment and associated social problems,' she remarked. The governor revealed that the county recently launched a Sh30 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) fund as part of its commitment to strengthening TVET and up-skilling artisans.
Achani described the establishment of the TVET fund as part of an ambitious agenda to reposition technical and vocational education training across the coastal county. 'The TVET fund kitty is part of our vision to contribute to the growth of Kwale through skills acquisitions, empowerment, innovation, and prosperity,' she elaborated, asserting the devolved government's determination to equip local youth with the competencies necessary to drive economic growth, create employment, and 'reposition Kwale as a leading hub of skilled labour in the coastal region'.
Achani underscored her administration's dedication to economic empowerment and poverty reduction through TVET development in enhancing livelihoods and creating economic opportunities. At the same time, she cautioned the youth against social vices like drug and substance abuse and criminal activities, warning that the choices they make today would shape their future.
Mwavumbo Ward MCA, Hamisi Mkaha, applauded the county government for prioritizing youth development in the region, saying the program was timely and impactful. 'This initiative responds directly to the needs of our youth. Many have been idle due to a lack of skills or resources to pursue training, but now they have a chance to improve their lives,' he added. Mkaha urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and use the opportunity not only to improve their own lives but also to contribute positively to their communities.
Jumaa Mose, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the county government for the sponsorship, noting that many youths had dreamt of becoming professional drivers but could not afford the fees. Now, the course will help them acquire skills, earn a living, and fight unemployment.