By reporter
At least 92 youths drawn from the Ndera, Lower Tana Delta, and Hanshak-Nyongoro Conservancies have completed training in high-demand skills in a bid to promote entrepreneurship among marginalized communities in Tana River and Lamu counties
The youths trained acquired skills ranging from Motorcycle Repair and Maintenance, Catering, Mobile Phone Repair, Tailoring and Dressmaking, Masonry, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, and Electrical and Solar Installation under the auspices of MashinaniWORKS (formerly Northern Rangelands Trust Trading)
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held in Lower Tana Delta, Lower Tana Delta Conservancy Chairman Ali Hiribai stated that the trained youths would also be receiving toolkits of their respective trades aimed at ensuring self-reliance and entrepreneurship among those trained.
He further said that the toolkits provide these new artisans with the critical physical resources needed to transition from training to immediate income generation, supporting their professional development and entrepreneurial endeavors.
“This is not just about handing over tools; it is about handing over the keys to self-reliance and economic empowerment,” Ali said.
Sentiments echoed by Lower Tana area Chief Galana Ismail who stated that the toolkits are a tangible investment in the futures of these youths.
The government official further noted that the trained graduates are poised to receive nationally recognized certificates following successful Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments for the three-month vocational training that was sponsored by Mashinani Works Ujuzi Mtaani Initiative.
Ujuzi Manyattani, which translates to “Skills in the Villages,” is a transformative mobile vocational training model designed to reach underprivileged women and youth in remote areas without disrupting their way of life.
Speaking separately in Hanshaak Nyongoro conservancy, one of the graduates Doreen Wario lauded the initiative which equipped her with tailoring skills which she said will aid in uplifting her from unemployment.
She also said that said that with the new skills aqcuired from those who have graduated, joblessness among youths in the area will resolved leading to more income for households that would otherwise have to depend on pastoralism or seasonal planting.
Sentiments complimented by Ali Said a graduate from Ndera Conservancy who trained in Motorcycle repair stated that the initiative would enable him earn a living regularly.
“With the main mode of transport being bodaboda within the Ndera area, it is fitting that I trained in motorcycle repair as will help my area’s boda operators who are in dire need of repair shed,” Ali stated.
