Kwale unveils Sh30 million TVET fund to empower youth, curb crime

Kwale unveils Sh30 million TVET fund to empower youth, curb crime

The Governor spoke after meeting a group of reformed youths in Diani who had renounced crime to pursue peaceful and productive ventures. The region has previously been affected by violent gangs such as the Panga Boys, who terrorised residents and tourists in Ukunda and other parts of Kwale.

Kwale County has rolled out a Sh30 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) fund to strengthen vocational institutions and equip young people with employable skills in a bid to curb crime and drug abuse.

Governor Fatuma Achani said the initiative is part of a broader plan to empower local youth through technical education and ensure they benefit from national and county-level economic empowerment programmes.

The Governor urged young people across the county to stay away from drugs and criminal behaviour, saying the decisions they make today will shape their future.

“We cannot employ everyone, but we can create opportunities for people to earn a living. Through technical training and entrepreneurship, we are restoring dignity and building sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Governor Fatuma said her administration is keen to transform Kwale into a centre of skilled labour by supporting artisans and investing in training facilities.

She added that over 300 businesses owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities have been registered, with more than 150 already securing county tenders.

“When women and young people prosper, the community prospers too,” she said.

The TVET fund, she noted, will finance training, apprenticeships, and tools for vocational institutions to prepare young people for employment and enterprise creation.

The Governor spoke after meeting a group of reformed youths in Diani who had renounced crime to pursue peaceful and productive ventures. The region has previously been affected by violent gangs such as the Panga Boys, who terrorised residents and tourists in Ukunda and other parts of Kwale.

Achani commended the group for changing their lives and presented them with a company registration certificate to help them qualify for county and national contracts.

“We will continue working with parents, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure Kwale remains peaceful and progressive,” she added.

Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Mutisya warned the youth against engaging in drugs and unlawful activities, stressing that law enforcement will not tolerate the narcotics trade.

“Our security agencies will leave no stone unturned in eliminating the menace of hard drugs in Msambweni and beyond,” he said.

Mutisya urged parents to guide their children and encouraged young people to utilise government empowerment programmes rather than waste their potential through addiction and crime.

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