By Allan Kai
Stakeholders from government, education, the private sector and youth organizations gathered at Vipingo Ridge on Tuesday to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, with a renewed call to invest in practical skills that prepare young people for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
Held under the theme "Skills for a Shared Future," the event celebrated the transformative role of vocational and technical skills in sectors such as hospitality, the creative arts, theatre, artisan trades, conservation and entrepreneurship.
SwahiliPot Hub Foundation founder (left) Mahmoud Noor and Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey holding up copies of the Space to Thrive MOU signed during the event.
The day's highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Space to Thrive: Creating Opportunities Together initiative between Vipingo Ridge and SwahiliPot Hub Foundation, a partnership aimed at creating more pathways for Kenyan youth to access skills training, mentorship and employment opportunities.
Opening the event, Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey emphasized that lasting change can only be achieved through collaboration.
"The future is built when we all work together," he said, noting that when organizations unite around a common purpose, they create opportunities capable of transforming lives.
The celebration featured performances by students from Shariani Secondary School, including a moving poem by Maryam Kazungu that highlighted the aspirations and potential of young people when given opportunities to develop their talents.
Vipingo Ridge's long-standing relationship with the local community was also highlighted during the event. Chilson Lwangu traced the history of the development since its establishment in 2005, recalling how construction created employment for hundreds of local residents, at times engaging up to 300 workers a day.
Hospitality interns from different learning institutions compete in a napkin folding contest. Photo: Courtesy
He said the partnership with surrounding communities has remained central to Vipingo Ridge's growth and continues to shape its commitment to youth empowerment.
Representing Vipingo Senior School, Mr. Koi Okoth described the collaboration between educational institutions and industry as essential in preparing young people for the future.
"As educators, we value this partnership because it gives opportunities and opens doors for skills development for the younger generation," he said.
He encouraged students to believe in their potential, reminding them that "you are not too young, too poor or too ordinary to become extraordinary," adding that skills are built through practice, patience and perseverance.
Throughout the event, speakers repeatedly stressed that hands-on skills are becoming increasingly important in today's job market.
Representatives from learning institutions, including TEWA College's School of Hospitality, showcased ongoing collaborations with Vipingo Ridge to equip learners with industry-relevant experience.
Participants listening to the proceedings at the event. Photo: Courtesy
Participants also took part in a Privilege Walk, facilitated by Kuso Abdhulla, Vipingo Ridge's Conservation Manager. The activity brought together representatives from different training institutions and encouraged discussions on equal access to education, opportunity and skills development.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Patrick Karisa, a long-serving member of Vipingo Ridge's 200-person security team.
Sharing his personal journey, Karisa described his employment at Vipingo Ridge as a stepping stone that enabled him to grow professionally and improve his life.
He urged young people to remain disciplined, work hard and view every opportunity as a chance to build a better future.
Kilifi South Deputy County Commissioner Mohammed Yusuf challenged young people to reject crime, political manipulation and drug abuse, describing narcotics as one of the greatest barriers to youth success along the Coast.
He warned against being exploited for selfish political interests and urged youth to pursue opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship and government empowerment programmes, including the Nyota Fund.
"Don't play with your life," he said, encouraging young people to avoid shortcuts to wealth and instead invest in productive ventures such as crop farming and livestock keeping.
He further urged them not to allow politics, drug abuse or laziness to derail their future.
An entertainment session during the event led by Blue Radio's presenter MC Woudanita. Photo: Courtesy
Representing the Kilifi County Department of Education and ICT, Sifa Mlewa encouraged school leavers to enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, noting that vocational skills remain among the most reliable pathways to employment.
Lutfah Mohammed, the Kilifi South Sub-County Administrator, echoed similar sentiments, while David Ziro from the Department of Gender, Culture, Social Services, Youth and Sports reaffirmed the county government's commitment to supporting youth development initiatives.
SwahiliPot Hub Foundation's Mahmoud Noor said the newly signed partnership goes beyond a ceremonial agreement and focuses on delivering tangible opportunities for young people.
Mr. Miheso from SwahiliPot Hub Foundation speaking at the event. Photo: Courtesy
"This is an important event, but implementation is even more important," Noor said.
"Our intention is to provide opportunities that lead to dignified and fulfilling work for young people, while also supporting those who come to work at Vipingo Ridge to secure long-term employment and career growth."
Earlier, Mr. Miheso of SwahiliPot Hub Foundation encouraged young people to actively engage with innovation hubs, community centres and other spaces that nurture practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurship.
The new partnership between Vipingo Ridge and SwahiliPot Hub Foundation signals a growing recognition that empowering young people requires sustained collaboration between government, educational institutions, the private sector and community organizations.
