Governor Ndeti to youth: Embrace entrepreneurship over white-collar jobs

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has urged young people to turn away from the pursuit of white-collar jobs and embrace entrepreneurship as a sustainable path to earning a livelihood.

Speaking on Friday during a ceremony at her office where 1,200 youth received driving licenses and training certificates, Ndeti said Kenya’s rising unemployment demands a shift in mindset.

“You don’t need to wait for employment to earn a living,” she said. “Start where you are. Use the skills you have. You can become an employer.”

The beneficiaries had completed various vocational and technical courses sponsored by the county government. Among them were 400 motor vehicle drivers and 400 motorcycle riders who received licenses after training under the Machakos Youth Service program.

Governor Ndeti shared her personal journey into entrepreneurship, recalling her student days in the UK.

“With our pocket money, we would save, buy clothes during holidays, come to Kenya and sell them. After selling in Kenya, we’d take the money, go to Hong Kong and Bangkok, buy more clothes and return to sell,” she said.

She revealed that even as a teenager, she earned as much as Sh40,000 per dress.

“I was making a lot of money, though I didn’t fully understand its value then. I used to give the money to my parents,” she said, adding that it was all about learning and sharpening her entrepreneurial skills.

The governor emphasized that one’s background should not limit their potential. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. Send yourselves. You can make it in life,” she told the youth.

She encouraged them to apply the skills they have learned rather than let certificates gather dust.

“Don’t take your certificates and hide them in your house. Use what you’ve been taught. We have trained plumbers, hairdressers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, masons, caterers, event organizers, DJs and more,” she said.

Governor Ndeti also announced that her administration would renew the newly issued driving licenses for three years to support the youth as they establish their careers.

Her message to the young people was simple: shift focus from chasing scarce white-collar jobs and build something of your own.

“We are expanding this program in the next financial year to train and empower more youth,” she said. “Our aim is to equip young people with the skills and confidence to face the challenges of today’s world.”

The governor highlighted the growing importance of digital skills in the modern economy, pointing out that 400 youth trained in areas such as freelance writing, e-commerce, coding, and digital marketing also received certificates.

“These are skills that can open doors to opportunities in the digital economy,” she said.

Training sessions were held across various wards and sub-counties in Machakos during the 2024–2025 Financial Year.

The initiative received praise from several stakeholders.

Costa Juma, a boda boda rider and beneficiary, expressed his gratitude. “I have been riding for years without a license or proper training. I’ve faced many problems, including arrests,” he said. “Now I can ride confidently with the skills and license I’ve gained. It’s a game changer.”

Machakos Sub-County Traffic Commander David Ikiru also lauded the governor’s efforts.

“Often, we find riders involved in accidents with no licenses or insurance. This is a big step. The governor has done her part — now it’s your turn to get insured and stay safe on the road,” Ikiru said.

National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Eastern Regional Manager Roselyne Oloo commended the county’s support in improving road safety.

“We hope this initiative will help many more unlicensed drivers and riders operate legally and safely,” she said.

Governor Ndeti wrapped up her remarks by reaffirming her government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skill development, and economic self-reliance.

“This is how we transform lives,” she said. “By giving our young people the tools, the training, and the confidence to build their future.”