WAJIR– In a celebration marked by pride, hope, and empowerment, 40 women have graduated from the tailoring program at the Wajir Vocational Training Centre a milestone hailed as a transformative moment for families and communities across the region.
The program, championed by the Office of the First Lady of Wajir County, has equipped women many of them mothers, sisters, and daughters with vital tailoring skills and access to high-quality industrial equipment.
Wajir County First Lady Rukia Abdinasir issued a heartfelt statement lauding the achievement.
“This remarkable achievement was powered by the generous spirit of our partners,” said Mrs. Abdinasir. “To witness their dedication and see the skill in their hands is to witness hope in action.”
The success of the initiative was made possible through the support of the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA-Kenya), which donated 40 industrial electric sewing machines.
These machines represent more than just equipment they are an investment in brighter futures and economic independence.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment through practical skills.
“Empowering our youth through the Wajir Vocational Training Centre is one of the most effective ways to unlock economic potential and promote self-reliance,” he said. “These women are not just graduates they are changemakers equipped to meet community needs while generating sustainable income.”
The tailoring graduates have already begun producing school uniforms, essential clothing, and reusable sanitary towels items that meet pressing local demands. Of particular significance is the production of the sanitary towels, which offer adolescent girls dignity and the opportunity to stay in school.
“This is a meaningful step in supporting girls’ education and ensuring they remain on the path to success,” Governor Abdullahi said.
Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking at the graduation ceremony where 40 women successfully completed tailoring training program. Photo/Courtesy
To ensure continuity and growth, the county government has retained all 40 graduates at the Wajir Vocational Training Centre for advanced training and has directed the Department of Education to facilitate the formation of a Community-Based Organization (CBO) to support their expansion.
The First Lady praised this move as “an investment in the bedrock of our community” and called on residents across the county to seize similar opportunities for empowerment.
“Let us build a community where everyone has the tools to support themselves and uplift others,” Mrs. Abdinasir concluded.
The tailoring program forms part of a broader county-led initiative to promote self-reliance, expand education access, and enhance livelihoods—especially for women and youth. With needle and thread in hand, these 40 women are not just stitching garments—they are stitching together a new story for Wajir.
