Hundreds of young people in Kiambu County received a major boost in their quest for employment and self-reliance after graduating from various vocational and technical courses offered under the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) programme in partnership with the Kiambu NG-CDF.
Speaking during the 5th graduation ceremony held at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu Town, Machua Waithaka reaffirmed his commitment to equipping youths with practical skills to enable them tap into the growing job market and government-led opportunities.
A total of more than 350 students graduated after completing short courses offered by the IYF programme, which is run by Good News Church in collaboration with the Kiambu National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The graduates undertook training in areas such as plumbing, electrical installation, catering, hairdressing, fashion and design, welding, video editing, electronics, theology, artificial intelligence, and foreign languages including Chinese, Korean and German.
Addressing the graduates, parents and residents who attended the colourful ceremony, Waithaka said the constituency leadership had deliberately invested in youth empowerment programmes to ensure young people acquire employable skills instead of remaining idle.
“The skills that the youths are being trained on are helping them get into the job market and also explore various opportunities available within government programmes,” said the MP.
He urged unemployed youths loitering in shopping centres and villages to enrol for the free short courses and take advantage of the opportunities being created through infrastructure and housing projects within the county.
According to the legislator, graduates with technical skills in plumbing, electrical works and construction stand a high chance of securing employment at the ongoing Affordable Housing Project in Kiambu Town as well as construction projects at Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP).
“Once the youths graduate and have certificates in various crafts, especially plumbing, electrical installation and building, they can get jobs at the affordable housing project being undertaken in Kiambu town because the project is employing over 500 people every day,” he said.
Waithaka also highlighted achievements in the education sector within Kiambu Constituency, saying his office had ensured day secondary education remained free for the last two years through bursary support.
“All applicants for bursaries have benefited because our aim is to ensure every school-going child remains in class,” he stated.
The MP further revealed that chiefs had been directed to ensure no school-going child remains at home due to lack of fees or negligence by parents.
“I have called on chiefs to ensure there is no school-going child staying at home for any reason, and parents who fail to take their children to school should face action,” he added.
He noted that school infrastructure across the constituency had greatly improved through installation of cabro pavements, construction of modern gates and perimeter walls, and installation of solar lighting systems to enhance security and learning conditions.
“Learning environments have improved in almost all schools within Kiambu Constituency, and we will continue rehabilitating schools to ensure our children learn in a conducive environment,” he said.
The IYF programme leadership said the institution’s goal goes beyond vocational training by also focusing on mindset transformation among the youth.
According to Pastor Godfrey Kariuki, the organisation offers three-month courses conducted mainly during weekends to accommodate young people who work during weekdays or are unable to pursue formal college education.
“We have more than 17 courses that we teach within three months during Saturdays and Sundays. These programmes are helping many young people gain skills and transform their lives,” he said.
Kariuki explained that the programme integrates what he described as “mindset education,” which seeks to instill discipline, confidence and spiritual values among learners to help them overcome challenges such as drug abuse and hopelessness.
He said the programme traces its roots to Good News Mission after a parent sought help for a son struggling with drug addiction, leading to the establishment of a mentorship and rehabilitation-oriented training model.
The IYF director noted that the Kiambu branch operates from the NG-CDF Towers courtesy of support from the constituency office and forms part of a wider expansion plan targeting all 47 counties.
Several graduates who spoke during the ceremony praised the programme for giving them practical skills and hope for the future.
Constance Malemba, a catering student, said the institution had enabled many financially challenged youths to pursue their dreams without paying expensive fees.
“I learned how to bake and prepare different foods, and I now feel ready for the job market,” she said, adding that the flexible weekend classes allow students to work during weekdays.
Another graduate, Daniel Kinyanjui Kamau, said he first joined the institution in 2025 to study video editing before enrolling for plumbing this year.
“I believe the skills I have acquired will greatly benefit my life,” he said.
Loise Wanjiru encouraged fellow youths to enrol in digital and creative courses such as video editing, saying the creative industry presents growing opportunities for income generation.
Parents and trainers also lauded the programme for helping steer young people away from drug abuse and social vices.
Ruth Nyambura said the institution accepts even those who did not complete secondary education and helps them identify and nurture their talents.
“We do not focus on whether someone has a Form Four certificate or university education. We focus on helping youths discover what they can do and become productive in society,” she said.
Nyambura urged parents with children staying idle at home to enrol them in the programme instead of allowing them to fall into drug abuse or crime.
The programme administrators said students only pay minimal registration and practical fees while certificates offered under some courses are recognised through NITA certification.
