Governor Wavinya Ndeti Launches Empowerment Program for a Brighter Future in Machakos

In an inspiring move to shape the future of the youth in Machakos County, Governor Wavinya Ndeti has officially launched the Machakos Youth Service (MYS), a transformative initiative aimed at equipping 1,000 young people with valuable life skills. This bold program is set to revolutionize the lives of the county’s youth by providing them with not just knowledge, but also the practical skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

The launch took place at the Agricultural Training Centre in Machakos, with the Governor outlining the vision behind MYS: to empower youth across all 40 wards in the county with essential skills like discipline, time management, teamwork, and hard work. The program will span 21 days, providing participants with a well-rounded curriculum that will help them better navigate life’s challenges.

Governor Wavinya has big plans for this program, sharing that she hopes to expand it annually, eventually reaching 2,000 youth per year. The goal is not just to train them, but also to protect them from the dangers of substance abuse and negative influences, a problem that has long affected many young people in the area. By housing them at the Agricultural Training Centre during their training, the program aims to create a safe and structured environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

What’s truly groundbreaking about MYS is its holistic approach. After the 21-day training at the Agricultural Centre, participants will progress to one of the county’s modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Mitaboni, Kyemutheke, Matuu, Masii, and Kaliluni. Here, in cohorts of 200, they will continue their education for four months, gaining practical, career-oriented skills that will make them competitive in the job market.

But it doesn’t stop there. Upon completion of the TVET courses, each youth will receive a KSh 15,000 empowerment grant to help them kickstart their journey towards self-employment or entrepreneurial ventures. This financial boost is a step toward helping them become independent and self-sufficient, ensuring they can take control of their futures without relying on politicians or falling prey to exploitation.

Governor Wavinya emphasized that true youth empowerment goes beyond mobilizing the youth for political gain. It’s about providing them with the tools to build a successful future—tools like skills, discipline, and a strong sense of patriotism. “Youth empowerment is not about mobilizing the youth to cause chaos, it’s about equipping them with the knowledge that will propel them further in their careers,” she said.

Her ultimate goal for the Machakos Youth Service is to create a community where the electorate is financially independent, and every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to succeed. “Do not allow your background to define your future. Take charge of your destiny,” the Governor encouraged.

The event was attended by key figures including Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, who praised the Governor’s commitment to the youth and urged other county leaders to follow suit. Ouko encouraged young people to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by MYS, emphasizing that this initiative would help them develop the discipline and work ethic needed to excel in any field.

As Machakos County takes this important step toward empowering its youth, it’s clear that the Machakos Youth Service program is more than just an educational initiative. It’s a movement to create a new generation of self-reliant, skilled, and disciplined individuals who will shape the future of not just Machakos, but the entire nation.

The call to action is clear: Youth, don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to transform your life and make a lasting impact on your community. The future is in your hands!

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