Coast-based paint manufacturer, Rangi Africa in collaboration with Mombasa Ministry of Youth, Sports Gender and Cultural Affairs has launched a painter training programme targeting the youth in Mombasa County.
The youth have been urged to apply for the course that will see those who graduate be given a certificate.
Rangi Africa business development manager Douglass Omondi said the company has set aside Sh8 million for the painting course that will run for one year until August 2019.
Mr Omondi said they will target 2,000 youth from Mombasa as they seek to introduce certification for painters thereby helping professionalise the sector that for years has relied on skilled labour.
“There are 120 slots available to 20 youths per constituency in Mombasa County. The selection is through county youth departments and we hope the initiative will suppress social vices within the county,” he said.
Speaking at Wild Waters resort, Mombasa county, Youth Sports and Gender executive Munywoki Kyalo said the first batch of 120 youth who enrolled last year have already graduated with certificates in painting.
The youth will be trained on painting and decoration, entrepreneurship, health and safety as well as first aid to enable the youth handle tasks professionally.
“The selection for September and October is in progress. The course is aimed at equipping the youth with painting skills after thorough training after which they will be able to fit in the job market,” said Kyalo.