Machakos: Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has issued free driving licenses to 800 drivers and motorcycle riders after undergoing a county-sponsored training program to enhance safety on the roads. The initiative is set to equip the beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge to become responsible drivers.

According to Kenya News Agency, Wavinya stated her government has budgeted to renew their licenses for the next three years, urging the recipients to prioritize safety on the roads. ‘I am proud to issue 400 licenses for drivers and 400 others for motorcycle riders, who have undergone a county-sponsored training program and we will allocate funds in our budget to renew these vital documents for the next three years,’ she said.

Additionally, the governor also issued 400 certificates to ICT practitioners after a successful county-sponsored digital skills training program on coding, freelancing, and digital marketing, conducted across the nine subcounties. The governor, while speaking at the county offices, noted that by supporting such initiatives, they were benefitting the youths individually and, by extension, the larger community, as this will increase employment opportunities for others and make them more self-sufficient.

National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) manager Roseline Oloo commended the governor for the initiative, saying it would help improve road safety and create an avenue for youth empowerment in Machakos. The beneficiary youths expressed their gratitude for the timely support from the county government, noting that the kind gesture had given them a sense of accomplishment and independence.

One of the youths, Melvin Kilonzo from Kangundo subcounty, expressed happiness at receiving a driving licence and an ICT certificate. She mentioned that it marked her starting point to become self-reliant, while hoping to bring positive change to her family and the entire community.