The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with Members of the County Assembly, has sponsored at least 400 youths to acquire driving skills and to be awarded driving licenses.
The youth are part of the sponsored 900 youths from 12 wards, among them motorbike operators, to help them improve their road user operations.
Speaking during the award ceremony at the County headquarters, Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii said that this is part of his government’s focus on youth empowerment, and his administration has laid out strategies on ways to empower the youth, and one of those ways is issuing driving licenses.
He noted that due to unemployment, which is a global menace, his administration is coming up with alternative ways to empower the youth, and this sponsorship is part of the plan.
“The driving license is a document recognised and accepted all over the world, and this can help you get employment anywhere in the world,” said Bii.
The County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, noted that the youth in Uasin Gishu are fortunate to have leaders who are willing to help them develop youth-oriented initiatives.
The County Executive for Youth Affairs and Sports, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, appreciated the government’s opportunity to empower the youth with driving skills.
She said that the Department of Youth Affairs has been keen on empowering the youth by giving them assorted equipment such as motorbikes, car wash machines, carts, and block-making machines to help them earn income.
The Chief Officer for Youth Affairs and Sports noted that the department is developing several additional initiatives aimed at empowering the youth, some of which involve sports.
A beneficiary, Mary Mwihaki, expressed her gratitude, saying the county has given them an opportunity and a tool that can get them employment.
On his part, Isaac Misoi, a beneficiary, said that the driving licenses will enable him to graduate from being a Boda Boda driver to driving vehicles.
By Judy Too and Michele Kiptoo
