Kwale County Governor H.E. Fatuma Achani has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to strengthening vocational and technical training as a key pathway for equipping young people with practical skills, promoting self-employment and improving livelihoods across the county

Speaking today during the Matuga Sub-County graduation ceremony held at Matuga Vocational Training College, Governor Achani congratulated 207 graduands from 13 vocational training colleges across Matuga Sub-County for successfully completing their respective courses.

The graduands trained in a wide range of technical and vocational disciplines, including carpentry and joinery, hairdressing and beauty therapy, fashion and design, welding, motor vehicle mechanics (MVM), plumbing, electrical installation, masonry and ICT, among others.

Governor Achani commended the instructors for their dedication in imparting practical skills and nurturing the talents of young people in the county.

“I commend our instructors for the dedication and commitment they continue to demonstrate in training our young people. The skills these graduates have acquired are not just certificates; they are tools that can enable them to earn a living, create employment and contribute to the development of our county.”

The Governor also congratulated the graduands for persevering through the demands of vocational training, noting that completing technical courses requires discipline, determination and commitment.

“I congratulate all the graduands for enduring the challenges and demands of vocational training. You have acquired practical skills that can open doors for you. Do not look at your certificates as the end of your journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter where you can use your skills to create opportunities for yourselves and others.”

Governor Achani said the County Government of Kwale continues to invest in vocational training institutions across the county through improvements in infrastructure, provision of services and acquisition of modern training equipment in all the 43 vocational training colleges across Kwale.

Achani noted that the County Government has procured equipment for vocational training institutions to enable trainees to gain hands-on experience and strengthen their practical competencies.

“Our commitment is to ensure that vocational training institutions have the necessary infrastructure, equipment and learning environment to prepare our young people for the world of work. We are investing in practical training because skills must be accompanied by the tools required to put those skills into practice.”

The Governor urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, saying vocational skills provide opportunities beyond formal employment.

She encouraged them to explore self-employment, form groups, pursue business opportunities and make use of government programmes designed to support skills development and youth empowerment.

“Vocational training is not a second option. It is an important pathway to economic empowerment. With the right skills, determination and access to opportunities, our young people can become job creators rather than job seekers.”

Representing the graduands, Alex Muoki of Lukore Vocational Training College thanked the County Government for supporting skills development programmes. Muoki, who trained in Electrical, Electronics and Solar Installation, said the training had equipped him with practical skills that would help him pursue employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He expressed gratitude to the government for providing young people with opportunities to acquire technical skills that can directly translate into livelihoods.

The Matuga Vocational Training College Board of Management Chairman, Matano Ramtu, also expressed appreciation to the County Government for its continued support to vocational training institutions.

“We are grateful to the County Government for recognising the importance of vocational training and supporting our institutions. The equipment, infrastructure and other interventions have created a better environment for our trainees to acquire practical skills. We urge the county to continue working with us so that we can equip even more young people with skills that respond to the needs of the market.”

Tsimba/Golini MCA Mwachuo Mwaboza commended the County Government for its continued investment in education and vocational training, calling for continued cooperation between Members of the County Assembly and the County Executive.

“As leaders, we have a responsibility to work together and support the programmes of the County Government that directly benefit our people. When the County Assembly and the Executive work closely together, we are able to address the needs of our communities and accelerate development. I will continue supporting initiatives that empower our young people and improve the lives of our people.”

The MCA said vocational training remains an important avenue for empowering young people with skills that can enable them to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.

Also present were MCA Tiwi Ali Mwachivyomo, MCA Kinondo Juma Maone, MCA Puma James Dawa and Nominated MCA Judy Jengo, who echoed the Governor’s call for greater support for vocational and technical education.

The leaders noted that strengthening vocational training would give more young people access to practical skills while creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

Also in attendance were CECM for Education Mishi Kailey, CEC for Lands Saumu Beja, CEC for Agriculture Roman Shera, CEC for Tourism Michael Mutua and County Attorney Salim Gombeni, alongside directors and other county government officials.

The Matuga Sub-County graduation marks another milestone in the County Government’s efforts to strengthen vocational education and provide young people with practical skills that can support economic empowerment and sustainable development across Kwale County.