Governor Wisley Rotich Congratulates Local Talent for Securing Cruise Ship Jobs Abroad

 

In a remarkable testament to the potential and determination of the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Governor Wisley Rotich has today congratulated a number of young people who have secured lucrative employment opportunities aboard some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships.

Alvin Kipruto Kipsiro, a resident of Chepketeret in Keiyo South, is among the first beneficiaries of the Pepea Program, a local initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the maritime industry. After successfully completing the program’s training, Alvin embarked on his journey to Miami, USA, where he will begin his new role as an Electrician with Royal Caribbean, one of the largest cruise ship operators globally.

Governor Rotich, who had the honor of personally seeing Alvin off at Eldoret International Airport, expressed his pride in the achievement and the growth of the Pepea Program, which has seen tremendous success since its inception.

“This is a significant achievement not only for Alvin but for all the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet. The Pepea Program is a demonstration of the county’s commitment to empowering our young people by connecting them with global opportunities. Alvin’s journey today is a symbol of what can be achieved with the right mentorship, training, and opportunities,” Governor Rotich said.

He went on to highlight the broader success of the program, with 11 other local candidates already securing positions with other renowned cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises, Aida Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. These candidates, including a young man named Matthew, are expected to travel in the coming weeks to begin their new roles at sea.

Furthermore, the program’s future looks bright as 45 more candidates are currently in training and placement processes, further solidifying the program’s reputation as a launching pad for Elgeyo Marakwet’s youth to achieve their career aspirations on the global stage.

“I am proud to see our youth break barriers and represent Elgeyo Marakwet on the global front. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to ensuring that many more young people benefit from such opportunities. I encourage more of our youth to take advantage of these programs to explore global career paths,” Governor Rotich added.

The Pepea Program, which focuses on various skill sets related to the maritime and hospitality industries, has garnered attention across Kenya for its success in transforming the lives of young Kenyans. Governor Rotich praised the partnership between local institutions, international cruise lines, and the Kenyan government, which has been instrumental in making this initiative a success.

As more candidates continue to finish their training, the program is set to expand further, offering more youth a chance to gain internationally recognized qualifications and work experience, while also contributing to the county’s economic growth through remittances and skills development.

“This is a proud moment for our county, and we look forward to seeing many more success stories in the coming months. We are just getting started,” Governor Rotich concluded.