Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti launches training for 3,000 youths in driving and e-commerce

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has decried a rising trend of goonism in the country and urged the youth not to be misused by politicians.

Speaking on Wednesday at Nguluni in Matungulu Sub-county where she launched a county government sponsored training of 3,000 youths in motor vehicle driving, motorcycle (boda boda) driving and e-commerce training, Governor Ndeti said politicians misusing the youths should instead empower them to have a livelihood.

She cited a recent demonstration in Machakos by youths whom she said had been transported from Nairobi to cause mayhem and disrupt peace in Machakos.

Governor Wavinya said she was concerned about the plight of the youths and that is why she was creating real opportunities by sponsoring the training of the youths and further equipping them with tools to start their various trades.

"The time for being misused is over. With your driving licence you will get a job. Today I am very happy to launch the training of our young people in getting their boda boda and driving licences," said Governor Ndeti.

She urged the youths to start away from trouble adding that she was a mother and was concerned when youth got arrested for causing chaos.

This year alone the County government is sponsoring the training of a total of 4,700 youths including the 1,700 earlier enrolled in the Machakos Youth Service.

"I want the politicians to show me who among them has trained 5,000 youths per year. A day is coming when I will call them by name to come and see the army of empowerment that Wavinya Ndeti has trained," she said.

Governor Ndeti urged the youths to stay away from drugs now that they have been given an opportunity to better their lives.

She said she will be there during the issuance of driving licences after completion of their training.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who accompanied the governor to the event, called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to arrest the escalating trend of goonism, warning him that the next government will hold him to account for his inaction while in office.

He said goonism is going to destroy the country unless checked.

Mr Mwangangi also said the common man including boda boda operators are going to suffer as a result of the hike in fuel prices and asked the government to reduce the prices.

The government on Wednesday announced a VAT reduction that saw fuel prices drop.