Murang'a: At least 1,135 youths and young adults in Kiharu have successfully completed short artisan courses that were fully sponsored by the Kiharu National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). These beneficiaries were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held on Thursday at Ihura Stadium in Murang'a, marking the culmination of a four-month training period in local colleges within the constituency.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro stated that the graduates represent the first cohort selected to undergo training under the Kiharu Fanikisha Programme, which was launched in December 2024. The programme aims to provide unemployed youths and young adults residing in the constituency with skills in various artisan courses. The graduates received training in hospitality, cosmetology, and driving, with tuition fees fully covered by the NG-CDF.
Ndindi emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "We established this programme to ensure our young people have skills in various courses. The graduates have been awarded certificates to help them search for employment as others initiate income-generating projects." He also noted that those who trained in driving have been issued smartcard driving licenses, and some have already secured employment.
To make the programme more accessible, trainees were encouraged to enroll in institutes closer to their homes. Ndindi urged the graduates to consider self-employment as a viable option, stating, "I want to encourage those who have graduated today to consider self-employment, which is like a blank check, your skills and determination dictate how much you earn every month and your possibilities for growth are limitless."
In his efforts to support education in Kiharu, Ndindi revealed that the local NG-CDF has allocated funds for the construction of laboratories in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Eight schools have already received Sh. 3.5 million each for lab construction. The schools benefiting in phase one include Gakurwe, Kimathi, Karingu, Kambirwa, Maragi, and Githagara primary schools, among others. Additionally, revision books valued at Sh10 million are set to be distributed to day secondary schools to enhance education standards.
The MP also opposed the proposal to withdraw NG-CDF, arguing that the fund allows legislators to address constituents' needs effectively. He highlighted its importance in reducing school fees and renovating classrooms across the constituency. Ndindi stressed that while county governments oversee devolved functions, the NG-CDF serves national government functions such as education and infrastructure, thus it should remain under the national government's control.
Concerning loans, Ndindi urged the government to reconsider its borrowing practices, warning that excessive debt poses a threat to the economy. He advocated for utilizing existing assets to raise resources, rather than relying solely on loans, to prevent burdening future generations with debt.