Machakos Youth Service pass-out parade see 1000 youths graduate

One thousand youths in Machakos today held a grand parade to mark the end of a three-week Boot camp as they transition to five Vocational Training Centers (VCTs) in a Youth Empowerment Program sponsored by the County Government of Machakos.

Donning Machakos Youth Service uniform and military boots the youths assembled at the governor’s office they mounted a colorful guard of honor inspected by Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

The youths, who have undergone rigorous training in physical exercise, first aid, discipline, leadership and communication skills at the boot camp marched past and saluted invited guests including their parents.

Among the beneficiaries of the program is 19-year-old Peter Wambua, an orphan who completed high school in 2023, and wishes to pursue a career in catering. Wambua said the program was timely as he did not know what to do after KCSE.

“I wish to be a caterer. The training is practical and I know I will leave ready to make a living. I was idle after I completed KCSE IN 2023 and that’s why I registered for the MYS program,” he said.

He said he was lucky to join the program which was fully sponsored by the county government because he did not have any other person to sponsor his further training.

Another trainee Everlyne Mwikali who was in a Brigade named ‘Thwake’ said the Boot camp training had instilled resilience and she now looked forward to gaining more skills as a plumber.

“I want to venture into plumbing because that is where my passion is. I am looking forward to become an experienced professional in plumbing and provide plumbing solutions to meet the high demand in the wake of expanding urbanization,” she said.

The youths will now transition to Masii, Kyemutheke, Mitaboni, Kituluni and Matuu VCTs to acquire technical skills in various fields including Masonry, tailoring and dressmaking, plumbing, carpentry, electrical installation, catering, hairdressing and beauty therapy, welding and motor vehicle mechanics among other courses.

Some will remain at the Agricultural Training Center where their camp is based to continue with training in Agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.

Thereafter, the youths will do community service for two weeks before graduating. They will be facilitated with a token voucher of Sh15, 000 each to start up various trades.

Speaking at the ceremony, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the program was aimed at equipping youth with skills to enable them earn a living.

“It pains me every time I see young people idling on the roadsides and outside shops from morning until evening because they lack a skill that can make them earn a living. My goal is to gradually end that culture by equipping as many young people with skills that can help them achieve their God-given dreams” said Governor Wavinya.

The Governor said her administration is exploring the budgetary logistics of doubling up the number of recruits up from the current 1,000 in order to create more opportunities for the youth.

“We are going to invest more in the camp in order to make sure next time we can admit up to 2,000. Our goal is to change the lives of these young men and women some of whom had given up in life. Ours is to show them the right path by giving them the desired skills,”she said.

She praised the trainees for exhibiting endurance and discipline during the Boot camp and urged them to prepare to serve the world in different capacities.

She said the County will in future absorb some of the graduates into the Inspectorate department.

The training was conducted by a team of personnel from the National Youth Service.

County Commissioner Josephine Ouko hailed the program as a milestone towards instilling discipline and patriotism among young Kenyans.

She said it will help improve the general security of the County as some youths who were into drug abuse had now been rehabilitated to engage in meaningful development activities.

Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi appealed for more development partners to come on board and support such programs which will transform the future of the youths.

Last year the County Assembly of Machakos ratified the program after enacting the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Act 2024.