Wajir Governor Abdullahi urges youths to stop chasing office jobs, embrace technical skills

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking when he presided over the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of Wajir Vocational Training Centre. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has challenged young people in the county to rethink their career choices and embrace vocational training, saying practical skills—not the shrinking white-collar job market—hold the key to tackling unemployment and transforming livelihoods.

Speaking during the third graduation ceremony of Wajir Vocational Training Centre, where 683 trainees graduated after completing various technical and vocational courses, the governor urged the youth to take advantage of free training opportunities offered by the county and equip themselves with skills that can lead to self-employment and entrepreneurship.

His appeal comes despite heavy investment by both the national and county governments in establishing and equipping vocational training institutions across Wajir.

Enrolment, however, remains low, with many young people still preferring office-based careers even as opportunities in the formal employment sector continue to diminish.

County leaders have repeatedly called for a shift in mindset, arguing that the future of employment increasingly lies in practical skills, innovation and self-employment rather than traditional white-collar jobs.

Governor Abdullahi said his administration has made technical and vocational education a priority as part of a broader strategy to equip young people with employable skills, promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment across the county.

"The youth are our county's greatest asset—full of energy, creativity and the desire to contribute meaningfully to society. The skills you have acquired today will not only open doors to employment but will also empower you to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to the growth of our county," he said.

He encouraged the 683 graduates to view their certificates not as the end of their educational journey but as the beginning of new opportunities.

"Today marks not the end of your journey, but the beginning of new opportunities. Go out with confidence, apply your skills, become employers rather than job seekers and serve as ambassadors of vocational excellence in our county," Abdullahi told the graduates.

The governor also appealed to parents and guardians to enrol more young people in the county's vocational training centres, noting that tuition is offered free of charge.

"I encourage parents and guardians across Wajir to enrol their children in our Vocational Training Centres. Training in our county VTCs is free, providing every young person with an opportunity to gain practical skills and build a better future," he said.

Abdullahi noted that changing public attitudes towards vocational education remains critical if the county is to fully benefit from the substantial investments made in technical training institutions.

He further called for increased investment in vocational education and skills development, saying a skilled workforce is essential for reducing unemployment, fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic growth across Wajir County.

The governor also recognised the role played by development partners in supporting skills training in the county.

"I extend my sincere appreciation to KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri, Islamic Relief Kenya and the Kenya Red Cross Society for partnering with us to support and sponsor our trainees. Your contribution continues to transform lives and strengthen our efforts to build a skilled and productive workforce," he said.

As Wajir seeks to expand employment opportunities for its growing youth population, county leaders hope greater uptake of vocational training will help bridge the skills gap, stimulate entrepreneurship and create a generation of young people capable of building businesses instead of waiting for jobs.