By Ian Mutiso

Girl child empowerment through vocational training has contributed to more women graduating in Kilifi.

Speaking during a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Clara Chonga, the county executive member for education, vocational training, and ICT, expressed her excitement with the number of girls graduating from traditionally male-dominated fields.

She praised their efforts and shifts in mindset in seeking a better life in any career.

“We currently have about 7500 students and 41 vocational training centers, and each year we witness an increase in the number of students registering for training. To bridge the community skill gap, we’ll build new additional facilities and equip them with modern equipment,” she added.

She urged women who had left school to enroll, regardless of their circumstances, so that they could gain information and skills that would be helpful in their everyday lives.

The county plans to start a school program that would be friendly to them.

The director general of the life skills promoters’ organization Emma Wachira stated that despite the various challenges girls encounter, 51% of the 430 graduates were female.

Wachira expressed gratitude to her partners for their support of programs that promote the education of girls, noting how much this has helped them.

She also said that teaching the trainees life skills gives them the tools to navigate life and helps them avoid early pregnancies.