Governor Wavinya Ndeti enjoys a Jinx with youths who graduated in the second cohort of the Machakos Youth Service on February 10, 2026. Photo by Gvrns Press. 
By Gvrns Press.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti has presided over the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the Machakos Youth Service, a landmark event in the county’s ambitious youth empowerment agenda.
This year, the program admitted 1,700 young people from all 40 wards, building on the achievements of the inaugural cohort. Following the pass-out ceremony, the youths will proceed to Vocational Training Centres for fully sponsored three-month skills development programs in areas such as Electrical & Electronics, Culinary Arts, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Plumbing, Masonry, Welding, Cosmetology, Fashion & Design, and Event Management & DJing.
Governor Wavinya emphasized that youth empowerment in Machakos is not merely a social project but a deliberate economic strategy anchored in the Machakos Youth Empowerment Act 2024. She highlighted the county’s commitment to preparing its youth for global competitiveness, advising parents to nurture dialogue and mentorship rather than resorting to authoritarian approaches.
“The skills you acquire are not just a certificate—they are your license to earn, innovate, and create opportunities,” Governor Wavinya told the graduands, urging them to “stay hungry, stay digital, and proudly represent the Machakos brand.”
Currently, over 30,000 young people in the county participate in Saccos and cooperatives, while many graduates from the first cohort have already ventured into entrepreneurship, joined the workforce, or found employment abroad. This year alone, more than 1,200 youth are enrolled in vocational skills training, while 1,000 others are gaining expertise in motor driving, digital skills, and Boda Boda riding.
The graduation marks a significant milestone in Machakos County’s ongoing mission to transform youth empowerment into a sustainable economic engine for the region.
