Scores of young people from Kiambaa Constituency have graduated after completing training under the area’s Short Courses Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping local youth with practical, job-ready skills.

The graduates were trained on several disciplines, among them caregiving, driving, bartending, hospitality and cosmetology.

The training was conducted by the Premiere Institute and funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Kiambaa.

Kiambaa Member of Parliament (MP), John Kawanjiku, presided over the colorful graduation ceremony, held at Karuri Primary School grounds. He congratulated the young graduates and urged them to put their newly acquired skills to productive use.

The MP said the programme was conceived out of a deliberate commitment to prepare Kiambaa youth for the job market and to open pathways to self-reliance.

“We are grateful to all the young people who have graduated from the various courses under our Short Courses Programme,” the MP said. “My responsibility as your Member of Parliament, is to ensure that the trust you placed in me translates into tangible opportunities, that improve livelihoods and make a difference in your everyday lives.”

He singled-out caregiving as one of the key skills on offer, noting that demand for trained caregivers continues to grow both locally and abroad.

The Legislator said the goal was to ensure that every student who acquires the skill is able to turn it into a meaningful source of income.

“We are investing in practical skills that open doors to employment, create opportunities for self-reliance and improve livelihoods,” he added, challenging the graduates, to become ambassadors of the programme by mentoring other young people in their villages.

Officials from the Premiere Institute lauded the partnership with NG-CDF Kiambaa, saying it had enabled many young people who could not afford formal college training, to gain certified, marketable skills within a short period.

Several graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the courses had given them a fresh start and a sense of direction. Some said they intended to seek employment immediately, while others planned to start small enterprises using the skills gained.

The Short Courses Programme is part of a broader effort by the Kiambaa NG-CDF to bridge the skills gap among the youth, reduce unemployment and promote economic empowerment at the grassroots.

The MP pledged to expand the programme in subsequent intakes to accommodate more young people and introduce additional courses in line with emerging labour market needs.

By Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo