Deputy Governor Flora Chibule: ‘Skills, not handouts, will transform our informal settlements’

Three hundred and thirty youth from Kilifi’s informal settlements have graduated with new life and entrepreneurship skills after completing a 45-day intensive training under the KISIP2–NYOTA Socio-Emotional Skills Programme.

Presiding over the certificate award ceremony in Sokoni Ward yesterday, *Kilifi Deputy Governor H.E. Flora Mbetsa Chibule* said the programme had equipped beneficiaries from seven settlements with leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills to access economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.

“Today, I had the honour of presiding over the certificate award ceremony for beneficiaries of the KISIP2–NYOTA Socio-Emotional Skills Training Programme in Sokoni Ward,” DG Chibule said. “This ceremony marked the successful completion of a 45-day intensive training by 330 young people drawn from seven informal settlements across Kilifi County.”

From training to jobs  

The Deputy Governor noted that the training went beyond theory, giving youth practical tools to start businesses, manage money, and lead community initiatives.  

“Through this programme, beneficiaries acquired valuable life, leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills that will empower them to access economic opportunities, enhance their livelihoods, and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” she stated.

*Praise for partners*  

DG Chibule commended the National Government, World Bank, Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project 2 – KISIP2, National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement – NYOTA, development partners, trainers, and community leaders for investing in Kilifi’s youth.

“I commend the National Government, the World Bank, KISIP2, NYOTA, development partners, trainers, and community leaders for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. This achievement demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration in creating opportunities for young people and advancing inclusive development,” she said.

County commitment

She reaffirmed Kilifi County Government’s commitment to scaling up youth empowerment initiatives, especially in informal settlements where unemployment remains high.

“The Kilifi County Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for our youth. Skills development is the surest path out of poverty. We will continue working with national government and partners to ensure more young people access training, mentorship, and capital to turn their ideas into businesses,” DG Chibule added.

KISIP2–NYOTA is a World Bank-supported programme targeting youth in informal settlements to improve employability and entrepreneurship through skills training and linkage to economic opportunities.