The County Government of Machakos has reached a significant milestone in youth development with the graduation of the first cohort of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Program at the White House Grounds.
The event, presided over by H.E. Governor Wavinya Ndeti, celebrated the successful transformation of hundreds of young people, underscoring the county’s commitment to practical skills training for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
In her address, Governor Wavinya expressed her joy at witnessing the culmination of a key development promise. She emphasized that the program was designed to directly address youth unemployment by harnessing their talent and energy.
“The graduation today is not only a celebration of success but also the realization of a great vision. Today, that vision stands before us, alive and strong in you, the youth of Machakos County,” said Governor Wavinya.Wavinya said that youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of her administration’s development agenda, stating, “I’m proud that this progressive idea has yielded fruits because I believe that an empowered youth is the foundation of a prosperous county.”
The program enrolled 1,000 trainees drawn from all 40 wards of Machakos County. They received intensive, hands-on training in high-demand trades, including:
-Welding & Electrical Works
-Tailoring & Catering
-Plumbing & Carpentry
-Hairdressing & Events Management
967 of these trainees successfully passed their National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) examinations, earning a nationally recognized certificate.
Moving beyond theory, each graduate received a major boost for their entrepreneurial journey: a start-up kit filled with tools tailored to their specialization. This strategic investment is designed to help them immediately establish small businesses and achieve self-reliance. The Governor also assured those who did not pass that they would be supported to re-sit their exams.
The County Government has announced plans to expand its youth empowerment initiatives. These include strengthening innovation hubs and investing further in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the county.
A new recruitment drive targeting 1,500 youth across all 40 wards will be launched in January 2026, significantly widening the program’s impact.
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