As unemployment and drug abuse continue to push many young people into crime and hopelessness, Mombasa County has launched a major blue economy skills programme aimed at turning vulnerable youth into a skilled workforce.

The initiative equips trainees at Mtongwe and Kisauni Vocational Training Centres with practical courses in marine engineering, boat repair, refrigeration, hospitality and maritime safety to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said the programme is designed to position Mombasa’s youth for jobs in the maritime and tourism sectors, with the county working alongside industry players to secure employment opportunities both locally and abroad. He added that the Tourism Innovation Hub will bridge the gap between training and employment.

In a move to ensure no one is left behind, the county also commissioned a modern daycare centre under the Second Chance Programme, enabling young mothers to return to class while their children receive quality care. A modern automotive workshop and new ECDE classrooms are also under construction to strengthen practical learning.

The initiative comes at a time when thousands of young Kenyans are struggling to secure jobs, with leaders increasingly calling for skills-based training as a lasting solution to unemployment, poverty and rising social challenges.