Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti awards one of the trainees with a start up Kit. Photo by Andrew Mbuva 
By Ryan Mumo
In a milestone event that could redefine the socio-economic landscape of Machakos County, Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Tuesday presided over the graduation of the first cohort of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Program.
The ceremony was held at the White House Grounds and marked the successful completion of a training initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills for self-employment and community service.
Launched as a direct response to unemployment and underutilization of youth talent, the program trained 1,000 participants from all 40 wards in the county.
The trainees underwent a dual-phase curriculum—beginning with formation and life skills, followed by technical training in diverse fields including welding, electrical works, plumbing, catering, mechanics, DJing, and tailoring among others.
“We gather here not only to celebrate your success, but also to witness the realization of a great vision,” said Governor Ndeti in her address. “My government is cognizant of the fact that development is not just about roads or buildings. It’s about people—unlocking potential, nurturing dreams, and cultivating a generation that is innovative and self-reliant.”
Governor Ndeti noted that 967 of the 1,000 trainees successfully passed the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) examination, a 96.7 percent pass rate. The county government fully sponsored the exams—a key part of what the governor described as her administration’s “unwavering belief in equal opportunity for all.”
“Failure is never final,” she encouraged the 33 who did not pass. “Resilience is what defines winners.”
During their training, participants also carried out community outreach—engaging in environmental cleanups and awareness campaigns—supported by county-issued stipends. The governor described this as a testament to the spirit of Machakos: “true empowerment goes hand in hand with service.”
As part of the graduation, each youth received not only a certificate but also a startup kit customized to their field of expertise—a measure aimed at catalyzing instant entrepreneurship.
“Do not wait for jobs,” she challenged the graduates. “Build them. Machakos needs job creators, not job seekers.”
The event was graced by dignitaries including Wiper Party Leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, county security and education officials, and representatives from Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
As she concluded, Governor Ndeti reaffirmed her commitment to scaling up youth empowerment, investing in innovation hubs, and strengthening the TVET sector. “When the youth rise, Machakos rises,” she declared.
