At least 240 youth in Homa Bay County will train in various colleges of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) thanks to a sponsorship programme in the office of the Woman Rep.
The youth have been sponsored by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in partnership with the office of Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.
The youth were flagged off in Homa Bay town during a ceremony presided over by Chief Administrative Secretary for Gender Rachel Shebesh, Wanga, County Commissioner David Kipkemei and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.
Wanga said the youth who came from across all the eight constituencies will join NITA branches in Nairobi, Kisumu and Athi River.
The youth will pursue a number of courses on technical skills including electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry among other courses.
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The Woman Rep said the initiative is aimed at reducing unemployment among youth in the county.
“My office is committed to empowering the youth by equipping them with technical skills which can enable them become job creators rather than job seekers,” said Wanga.
She said her office will also provide the beneficiaries with workshop tools upon completion of their courses.
Shebesh called on members of the National Assembly to increase the budgetary allocation to NGAAF from the current Sh7 million per constituency to Sh20 million.
She argued that increasing the allocation would allow many County MPs to undertake projects subsequently transforming lives of Kenyans.
“Sponsoring the youth for the training will transform the society. Let MPs increase the budgetary allocation,” said Shebesh.
Atandi described the initiative as a unique way of empowering the youth in Nyanza region.
“This initiative will improve livelihood of the youth because the only industry in Nyanza is boda boda sector. I urge elected leaders to emulate it,” said Atandi.
Kipkemei urged the youth to embrace technical training to enable them become self-reliant in job creation.
“Let our youth know that technical jobs are very lucrative. They should stop a notion that white-collar jobs are the only source of good money,” said Kipkemei.
In 2018, another 205 youth also benefited from the programme.
Those who completed the training were provided with free workshop tools during the Friday function.
