Machakos County Governor H.E. Wavinya Ndeti today issued 800 driving licenses to youth who successfully completed a driving course fully sponsored by the County government.

Speaking while presiding over the event, Governor Wavinya reaffirmed her commitment to empowering the youth through various initiatives, as she had pledged during her campaign.

“Today, I am proud to issue 800 driving licenses to young people who have undergone a County-sponsored training program. We are also awarding certificates to those who completed digital skills training. We will continue to empower the youth of Machakos through different initiatives, and I am happy to announce that we have allocated funds in our budget to renew these licenses for the next three years,” said Governor Wavinya

She urged the beneficiaries, many of whom are motorcycle riders, to embrace modern technology including the adoption of electric motorcycles, and to maintain discipline on the roads. 

“Let us embrace the new technology, especially electric motorbikes, and let us remain disciplined as road users,” she added.

David Ekiru, Machakos Base Commander, commended the Governor for facilitating the youth to acquire driving licenses. He urged the new license holders to adhere to road safety rules and encouraged boda boda riders to ensure their motorcycles and themselves are insured.

Roseline Oloo, NTSA Manager for the Lower Eastern Region, lauded the initiative, noting its contribution to road safety and youth empowerment. “I am overwhelmed to witness this great achievement. We are grateful to the county government for supporting road safety by providing training and licenses,” said Oloo

Joseph Muturi, Machakos Sub-County Police Commander, urged the motorcycle riders to apply the skills they had gained during training and cautioned them against resorting to mob justice in the event of accidents.

One of the beneficiaries, Costin Juma from Mavoko, expressed his gratitude to Governor Wavinya for the initiative. “For a long time, I did not have a driving license. I sincerely thank the Governor for enabling me to acquire both the license and road safety skills,” he said.

At the same event, the Governor also issued certificates to youth who had successfully completed digital skills training.

Since the launch of these training programs, road accidents in Machakos and surrounding areas have reportedly decreased, earning praise from the public for the county government’s proactive measures.