Mombasa County has enlisted more than 400 vocational training institutions in a major initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills and reducing unemployment through industry-focused training.
The programme, dubbed Skills Mtaani under the county's Elimu Scheme, will connect unemployed youth with accredited training providers offering courses ranging from ICT, electrical installation and plumbing to tailoring, beauty therapy, welding, mechanics and baking.
Speaking during the registration of partner institutions, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir said the county's objective is to create opportunities for every young person regardless of their background.
"We want this money, which belongs to the people of Mombasa, to reach the communities by educating their children," the governor said.
Nassir described the initiative as a multi-million-shilling investment that seeks to move thousands of young people from unemployment to self-reliance through vocational education.
He said the county government had already allocated funds for the programme and urged participating institutions to complete the registration process within the agreed timelines to enable the first intake to begin as planned.
The governor said institutions joining the programme must meet all regulatory requirements before signing partnership agreements with the county.
"Some of you have the necessary colleges but not the proper registration. We have to help you because these are public funds that will be audited. We cannot invest millions of shillings in institutions that are not properly documented," he said.
To improve transparency and eliminate paperwork, the county plans to digitise the entire admission process.
Applicants will submit their applications by scanning QR codes using their mobile phones, allowing the system to verify eligibility instantly while directing learners to institutions with available training slots.
The county will also introduce an electronic attendance system that will enable officials to monitor student participation throughout the training period.
"We want real-time information to confirm that the students we are sponsoring are actually attending classes," Nassir said.
He noted that the digital records would also help identify disciplined graduates who could benefit from internships, overseas employment opportunities and business support after completing their studies.
Beyond tuition, the county plans to use its revolving fund to provide selected graduates with work tools and equipment to help them establish small businesses.
Those pursuing careers abroad will also receive support through recognised certification, making it easier to secure employment outside the country.
"The idea is very simple. Educate our young people, connect them to internship opportunities and help them secure employment either locally or abroad," the governor said.
The programme will allow learners to choose their preferred institutions during public exhibitions where accredited colleges will showcase the courses they offer, with admissions based on institutional capacity rather than county allocation.
Education stakeholders welcomed the initiative, saying it has the potential to transform the lives of many young people.
Heri Abdurrahman Salim, chairperson of education at the Muslim Education and Welfare Association (MEWA), said vocational skills would give young people a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
"We have taken this programme seriously because it will help many young people. Once they complete training, they will be able to employ themselves or secure jobs," he said.
Human resource practitioner James Areja called for deliberate efforts to include persons with disabilities, noting that many still miss opportunities due to limited access to information.
"It is important that people with disabilities are not left behind. Parents should encourage them to pursue education because these skills will enable them to become independent," he said.
The county government says the Skills Mtaani programme will be rolled out in phases, with officials expecting thousands of young people across Mombasa to benefit from vocational training, internships and employment opportunities over the coming years.
