By Erick Otieno
A total of 271 youths from across the eight sub-counties of Migori County have graduated after completing an intensive catering course sponsored by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The graduands, comprising both male and female students, underwent theoretical and practical training in beverage preparation and hotel services, equipping them with skills to venture into self-employment and create job opportunities.
The graduation ceremony, held at Migori Teachers Training College (TTC) grounds, celebrated the achievements of the young people, most of whom are below 25 years of age.
Among the beneficiaries was Olivia Odhiambo from Uriri Sub-County, who expressed gratitude to NGAAF for sponsoring her training, saying the opportunity had opened a new career path for her.
Olivia, who previously studied media and journalism, said she hoped to pursue a career in baking following her training.
The initiative, funded through NGAAF, also saw the beneficiaries receive catering equipment to help them establish businesses and put their newly acquired skills into practice.
The equipment included a 100-capacity tent, 100 chairs, utensils and other catering materials intended to give the graduates a practical starting point as they venture into the hospitality and catering industry.
Addressing the graduands, NGAAF patron Fatuma said the programme was designed to empower young people with practical skills and resources to enable them to become economically independent rather than relying on handouts.
She said each of Migori County’s 40 wards had benefited from the initiative, with 15 students selected from each ward.
Fatuma expressed her commitment to sustaining the programme, announcing plans to continue supporting similar training initiatives every six months.
She urged the graduates to work hard, make good use of the equipment provided and establish businesses that could eventually employ other young people.
“You now have the skills and the equipment to help you get started. Use this opportunity wisely, work hard and create employment for yourselves and others,” she urged the beneficiaries.
She noted that empowering young people through vocational training and access to working tools was essential in addressing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among the youth.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga called on party supporters to unite behind Dr Oburu Oginga and support the broad-based government arrangement under President William Ruto.
Wanga urged ODM supporters to work towards securing President Ruto a second term, citing projects undertaken by his administration that she said had benefited areas previously considered marginalised.
She also challenged ODM politicians to prioritise service delivery to wananchi as the party prepares for its primaries.
Wanga maintained that the party’s nomination process should be free, fair and transparent, insisting that aspirants must seek the support of voters to secure the party ticket.
She urged leaders to remain focused on addressing the needs of ordinary citizens rather than engaging in divisions that could weaken the party.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest, encouraged young people to take their work seriously, regardless of the nature of their occupations.
Ruku challenged the graduands to appreciate the value of work and use their newly acquired skills to improve their livelihoods.
He also drummed up support for President Ruto, arguing that the opposition lacked a substantive agenda capable of convincing Kenyans.
The ceremony was attended by Busia Woman MP Catherine Omanyo, Nyamira County Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi, her Kisii counterpart Dorice Donya, nominated Member of Parliament Irene Mayaka, and several members of the Migori County Assembly, among other dignitaries.
