Wamuzi News Ke
In a fiery post shared on social media platform X, Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has taken a direct swipe at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, questioning his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and skills development in the county.
Salasya, known for his outspoken political style, wrote:
“In this day and age, skills pay more than some degrees. What has Natembeya done as governor of Trans-Nzoia to equip youth with market-ready trades? Leadership is about empowerment, not empty rhetoric.”
The post, which has quickly gone viral, sparked a wave of mixed reactions from Kenyans online — with some rallying behind Salasya’s call for practical youth development programs, while others accused him of politicizing the issue for clout.
Skills Over Theory
Salasya’s comments reflect a growing national conversation about the relevance of traditional academic qualifications versus practical vocational skills in Kenya’s evolving job market. With rising unemployment, particularly among graduates, attention has increasingly shifted toward technical skills training, entrepreneurship, and self-sustaining trades as viable paths for economic empowerment.
In Trans Nzoia, however, concerns have lingered over the county’s slow pace in implementing effective vocational programs and equipping Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions with the tools and infrastructure required to produce skilled, employable youth.
Empty Promises or Policy Failure?
While Governor Natembeya has previously championed youth empowerment as a cornerstone of his leadership agenda — including the promise to boost agribusiness, fund youth-led startups, and expand TVET programs — critics argue that the impact on the ground has been negligible.
Salasya’s remarks come at a time when many young people in the region are reportedly disillusioned, citing a lack of access to training opportunities, limited county-led mentorship programs, and unfulfilled pledges made during the 2022 campaigns.
Political Undercurrents?
Observers believe Salasya’s public rebuke could signal rising political tension between western Kenya leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. While both Salasya and Natembeya were initially seen as part of the broader reformist wing in the region, this latest jab suggests a brewing rivalry, especially on issues touching youth, employment, and performance delivery at the county level.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Kenyans on X and other platforms are now demanding accountability, urging the Trans Nzoia county government to respond with a clear record of what has been done — and what remains to be done — to prepare youth for the realities of today’s economy.
As pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Governor Natembeya’s administration for a comprehensive response — not just in rhetoric, but through tangible programs, visible investments, and measurable outcomes.
For now, Salasya’s bold call stands as a reflection of a wider truth facing devolved units across the country: that youth are tired of speeches. They want skills. They want jobs. And they want action.
