Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has presided over a graduation ceremony for 60 graduates, the distribution of business start-up kits including hairdressing equipment, and the launch of the Tujiajiri na Tandaza program in partnership with the KCB Foundation at Matuga Technical Training College in Kwale town.
Speaking during the event, Governor Achani urged young people from the county to focus on enrolling in technical training institutes as a key pathway to creating self-employment opportunities.
“We must change the mindset that white-collar jobs are the only path to success. Technical skills are not only marketable but also empower our youth to become job creators rather than job seekers,” she said.
She emphasized that her administration has been at the forefront of youth empowerment, including the construction of 43 vocational training centers and the provision of a 30 million shillings grant to support training, especially for youth from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Our goal is to leave no youth behind. That’s why we’ve invested in infrastructure and bursaries to ensure every young person in Kwale has access to quality technical training,” Governor Achani added.
On his part, Matuga Member of Parliament Kassim Sawa Tandaza said that the Tujiajiri na Tandaza program aims to create more job opportunities for the youths in the region as a solution to the unemployment challenge.
“This program is tailored to equip our young people with practical skills and the tools they need to start their ventures immediately after training,” Tandaza remarked.
Kwale County Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera emphasized that young people should not be selective about the kind of work they pursue.
According to Mgeni Mwamoyo, one of the 60 graduates from the institution, they appreciated the efforts of both the Kwale County Government and the National Government through the NG-CDF fund, stating that the training and business kits will help them create their employment opportunities.
“I am grateful for this opportunity. With the training and the equipment we’ve received, I can now start my own salon business and even employ others in the future,” Mwamoyo said.
Some of the tools the graduates received include shaving machines, nail dryers, blow dryers, beauty trolleys, and towels, among others, aiming to boost the youth livelihood through self-employment.
