Nandi County has taken another major step in addressing youth unemployment and promoting economic empowerment after 417 young people graduated from the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free WeCan Academy, completing an intensive three-month vocational skills training programme.

The colourful graduation ceremony, held at the Eliud Kipchoge Complex Grounds in Kapsabet, brought together county leaders, education stakeholders, trainers, parents and graduates to celebrate the successful completion of the programme, which equips young people with practical, market-driven skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Presiding over the ceremony, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang praised the partnership between the County Government of Nandi and the International Youth Fellowship, saying it is helping to build a generation of skilled, innovative and self-reliant young people capable of driving the county's economic transformation.

Governor Sang said the initiative complements his administration's broader development agenda of empowering youth through technical and vocational training, noting that equipping young people with practical skills is one of the most effective ways of reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods.

"The future of our county depends on the skills, creativity and determination of our young people. By investing in practical vocational training, we are empowering them to become job creators rather than job seekers," the governor said.

The graduates received training in various vocational disciplines designed to meet the demands of today's labour market. The programme combined classroom instruction with practical hands-on experience, preparing participants to either secure formal employment, venture into self-employment or establish small businesses within their communities.

Governor Sang noted that the graduation of the 417 trainees represents more than an academic achievement, describing it as an important investment in Nandi County's economy.

He said the newly acquired skills will enable the graduates to provide professional services, establish enterprises, create employment opportunities for others and stimulate local economic growth.

"As these young men and women venture into business, employment and skilled service delivery, they will contribute significantly to wealth creation, strengthen local enterprises, improve household incomes and help reduce youth unemployment across the county," he said.

The governor commended the International Youth Fellowship for partnering with the county government in providing free vocational training opportunities, saying such collaborations are critical in expanding access to quality technical education for young people who might otherwise be unable to afford the training.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening partnerships that support youth development and skills acquisition, adding that the county will continue investing in programmes that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

In a major boost to the programme, Governor Sang announced that the second cohort of the IYF Free WeCan Academy will begin on July 11, 2026, with an expanded target of enrolling 1,000 trainees from across Nandi County.

The expansion reflects the growing demand for vocational and technical skills among young people and the county's determination to increase access to training that responds to the needs of the modern job market.

Governor Sang encouraged unemployed youth, school leavers and aspiring entrepreneurs across the county to take advantage of the upcoming intake, saying practical skills remain one of the strongest foundations for sustainable employment and business success.

He emphasized that investing in skills is an investment in the future, urging young people to embrace opportunities that enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic economy.

The governor also challenged the graduates to become ambassadors of positive change by applying the knowledge they have acquired to transform their own lives and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

The IYF Free WeCan Academy programme is designed to provide young people with practical, market-oriented vocational training that enhances employability while promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Through partnerships with county governments and other stakeholders, the academy seeks to bridge the gap between education and the labour market by equipping youth with industry-relevant skills.

The graduation of the first cohort marks a significant milestone in Nandi County's youth empowerment agenda and underscores the growing role of vocational

education in supporting economic growth, reducing unemployment and creating sustainable livelihoods.

As the 417 graduates leave the academy to pursue careers, establish businesses and serve their communities, county leaders expressed confidence that the programme will continue producing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, enterprise and inclusive development across Nandi County.