A total of 1,880 youths have graduated under the Kikuyu National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) sponsorship programme, marking a significant milestone in efforts to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who emphasised the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through technical training programmes tailored to meet current job market demands.
The beneficiaries undertook short technical courses sponsored through the NG-CDF programme, with a focus on equipping them with hands-on skills that can enable them to either secure employment or start their own businesses. The initiative targets young people seeking alternative pathways outside traditional academic routes, especially in a rapidly changing economic environment.
Leaders present during the event noted that such programmes are key in addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth, by providing them with practical competencies that are directly applicable in various sectors of the economy.
Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy President Kindiki underscored the importance of technical and vocational training, noting that empowering young people with relevant skills is critical in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods. He pointed out that equipping youth with entrepreneurial abilities would also enable them to create opportunities not just for themselves but for others.
The Kikuyu NG-CDF sponsorship programme has been instrumental in supporting students from the constituency to access training in different technical fields. The courses are designed to respond to industry needs, ensuring that graduates are better prepared to transition into the workforce.
The graduation comes at a time when there is increased focus on skills development as a key pillar in tackling youth unemployment across the country. Stakeholders continue to push for expansion of such initiatives to reach more young people, especially at the grassroots level.
The programme also reflects a broader effort by leaders to promote technical education as a viable and valuable pathway, alongside formal academic qualifications.
As the graduates transition into the next phase of their careers, leaders expressed optimism that the skills acquired will play a crucial role in shaping their future and contributing to the country’s economic development.
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