Boost for youths in Taita Taveta as county opens garment production unit
The initiative seeks to encourage more young people to embrace vocational training as a pathway to employment, self-reliance, and business opportunities.
Youths in Taita Taveta have received a major boost following the launch of a garment production unit at Mselia Vocational Training Centre (VTC), aimed at equipping them with essential technical skills for economic independence.
The initiative, spearheaded by the County Government of Taita Taveta, seeks to encourage more young people to embrace vocational training as a pathway to employment, self-reliance, and business opportunities.
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Many young people present at the launch expressed optimism about the opportunities the new production unit would provide.
“This is a game-changer for us. Many youths struggle to find employment, but with such training, we can now start our own businesses,” said Kevin Mwandigha, a resident of Rong’e Ward.
Faith Wakesho, a recent secondary school graduate, noted that vocational training offers an alternative to formal employment. “Not everyone can go to university. These skills will help us earn a living and contribute to our families,” she said.
The County’s Deputy Governor, Christine Kilalo, who officiated the launch, underscored the importance of vocational education in tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.
“We must move away from the perception that technical skills are for academic failures. Vocational training is a powerful tool for empowerment, and the county is committed to ensuring our youths acquire the necessary skills to thrive,” she stated.
She added that establishing production units in VTCs would not only provide practical training but also generate income to sustain learning institutions.
“The establishment of production units in our VTCs is crucial in ensuring that training centres not only equip students with skills but also generate revenue to support daily operations. This will prepare our youth for real-world economic participation,” said DG Kilalo. She further urged all county VTCs to set up similar income-generating initiatives.
Education CEC Gloria Monikombo announced that the county government would offer full scholarships and bursaries for new students enrolling in vocational centres.
She assured young people that, through strategic public-private partnerships, there would be employment opportunities both locally and internationally for graduates of the VTCs.
Taita Taveta University’s Professor Wilson Cheruiyot pledged the institution’s support for vocational training, promising free IT short courses for trainees, donation of desktop computers to Mselia VTC, and collaboration in reviewing the ICT curriculum to align with industry needs.
One of the most inspiring moments of the event came from Engineer Jared Mzee, a Mselia VTC alumnus who now leads the Affordable Housing Project in Kiambu County.
He urged the youth to take their training seriously, emphasizing that hard work and discipline would open doors for them.
“I am a product of vocational training, and today, I am leading a major project. Use the resources provided, listen to your instructors, and remain focused on your goals,” he encouraged.
According to county officials, the establishment of the garment production unit marks a significant step in Taita Taveta County’s broader strategy to promote technical education and empower young people with job-ready skills.
By equipping them with practical knowledge, the county aims to create a skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation and reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.
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