The Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has urged the youth nationwide to take advantage of devolution for self-empowerment amid the biting unemployment crisis among the young population.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during the graduation ceremony of over 1000 graduates of the inaugural Machakos County Youth Empowerment Program at the county’s headquarters, the former vice president, who was speaking as the chief guest, noted that the particular event is a testimony that devolution works and the youth should tap into it for self-sustainability.

Training skills

The day marked the end of a 21-day boot camp launched by Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti. The programme provided the county youth with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certified training in leadership, teamwork and vocational skills such as construction and mechanics.

The trainees (25) from each of the 40 wards within the devolved unit benefited from the initiative, with the culmination happening at the White House Grounds.

”Devolution has given you a platform; now it is your turn to build upon it. Start small, but think big. Collaborate with others. Use your talents not only to lift yourself but also to lift others. Remember, true empowerment is not about what we receive, but what we give back. Remember too that you are the living proof that devolution works and that local action can lead to national transformation,” Kalonzo Musyoka said.

Harnessing innovation

The Wiper Party chief also challenged the young population to harness innovation and create their own opportunities.

‘I urge you to use your training as a launchpad to build, to innovate, and to serve. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking; go out and create them! Distinguished Guests, Kenya’s future will not be shaped in boardrooms and in Nairobi alone. It will be shaped in counties like Machakos by young people who are determined to make devolution work.

“When every county becomes a centre of innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and creativity, Kenya will rise, united, prosperous, and just. And that, my friends, is the true power of devolution — the power to give every Kenyan a fair chance to dream, to work, and to succeed where they are, whichever county they live in,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo Musyoka also suggested that, in honour of Rex Masai and the fallen Gen Zs whose sacrifices changed Kenya forever and inspired change worldwide during the June 2024 anti-government protests, the youth should rename the same inspirational project, ‘The Rex Masai Empowerment Programme.’