By:Athuman Luchi
Mombasa has taken a major step towards tackling youth unemployment after 400 delivery riders were licensed and onboarded onto the Bolt platform in an initiative aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
The programme, presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir at Tononoka Social Hall, seeks to equip young people with the necessary credentials, skills and access to digital platforms that can enable them to earn a sustainable livelihood.
The onboarding of the riders is part of efforts by the county government to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and create practical pathways to employment for Mombasa’s growing youth population.
Speaking during the event, Governor Nassir emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that allow young people to turn their skills and ambition into meaningful sources of income.
He said the youth do not lack ambition or the willingness to work, but require opportunities and the right support systems to realize their potential.
The partnership with Bolt is expected to provide the riders with access to a wider customer base while allowing them to earn through delivery services across the city.
The initiative also comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a major challenge, with many young people seeking opportunities in the gig economy, digital platforms and other emerging sectors.
Governor Nassir said his administration will continue working with private-sector partners to expand employment opportunities and support young entrepreneurs across Mombasa.
He noted that empowering young people is critical to strengthening household incomes, reducing unemployment and driving economic growth in the county.
The county government says similar partnerships will be pursued in the future as it seeks to ensure that more young people have access to opportunities to work, grow and prosper.
