Forty youths from Kasemeni Ward have benefited from fully sponsored driving courses under the Kwale County Government’s youth empowerment programme.

The programme was officially rolled out at Vikolani Village in Kasemeni Ward, Samburu Sub-County, by Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani, accompanied by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo.

The sponsorship is part of the county government’s efforts to equip young people with practical skills that can improve their access to employment and income-generating opportunities.

According to the county government, more than 2,727 youths across Kwale County have so far been supported through sponsorship for driving courses under the programme.

Speaking during the rollout, Governor Achani said her administration would continue investing in skills development as a way of promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance among young people.

“Driving can serve as a source of income or employment when one has the necessary documents, including a driving licence. I am urging the youths to take the driving course with a lot of seriousness,” Achani said.

The Governor encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and acquire the necessary skills and documentation to enable them to pursue employment and business opportunities.

Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said the county administration had continued to support youth empowerment, skills acquisition and talent development through various programmes.

Kombo cited the Elimu Ni Sasa programme, which he said had enabled hundreds of Kwale youths to pursue university education through county government support.

> “It is not a secret that Kwale youths have been empowered by the Achani administration. The Elimu Ni Sasa programme has benefited hundreds of youths who now have degrees courtesy of the county,” said Kombo.

Kasemeni Ward Member of the County Assembly Victor Safaricommended the county government for what he described as broad development programmes aimed at improving the economic well-being of young people in Kwale.

The driving school sponsorship programme has also been rolled out in other parts of the county. Previous beneficiaries include 48 youths in Puma Ward, 80 in Mwavumbo Ward, 100 in Ukunda Ward and 125 in Ramisi Ward**, among others.

The training is expected to open opportunities for beneficiaries in sectors such as transport, public service vehicles (PSVs), logistics and other driving-related employment and business activities

The Kasemeni rollout was attended by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Fisheries Roman Shera CEC Member for Water Hamedi Mwabudzo, advisors Mshenga Ruga and Antony Yama, Director of Education Abdallah Bilashaka, opinion leaders Nurein Mwatsahu, Robert Nyenye and Mwarocha Charo, as well as other senior county government officials.