“A skill is something no one can take away from you.”
For Lepakiyo Lpapanten, an indigenous youth from Marsabit, the decision to pursue Hairdressing was about more than learning a skill; it was about creating opportunities where few existed.
Yesterday, as the world marked World Youth Skills Day, Lepakiyo stood proudly among dozens of graduates at the Maiyanat Indigenous Youth Life Skills, Arts and Culture Development Centre. Dressed in his traditional Moran attire, he walked across the stage carrying something more valuable than a certificate—he carried a renewed sense of purpose.
Like many young Indigenous men growing up in Northern Kenya, Lepakiyo Lpapanten understood the challenges facing his generation. Climate change has disrupted traditional livelihoods, economic opportunities remain limited, and many young people find themselves idle after leaving school, unsure of what comes next.
Rather than allowing those circumstances to define him, Lepakiyo made a different choice.
He enrolled in Hairdressing, seeing it as an opportunity to build a future with his own hands. While the course may not have been what many expected of a young Moran, he saw beyond stereotypes. He saw a profession, a livelihood, and a chance to become financially independent.
Yesterday’s graduation was the reward for that decision.
But perhaps the most inspiring part ofLepakiyo’s story is what happens after graduation.
Today, he is encouraging fellow Morans and other young people in his community to enrol at the Maiyanat Indigenous Youth Life Skills, Arts and Culture Development Centre. His message is simple: don’t let idleness define your future when skills can transform it.
His journey reflects a much bigger story unfolding across Northern Kenya.
As communities face the realities of climate change and changing economies, vocational skills are becoming more than a pathway to employment. They are creating entrepreneurs, strengthening families, and giving Indigenous youth the confidence to build opportunities within their own communities.
The 2nd Graduation Ceremony, attended by parents, community leaders, partners, Director Recognition of Prior Learning Delivery Unit Mr. Stanley Maindi and Laikipia North Member of Parliament Honorable Sarah Korere, celebrated more than academic achievement. It celebrated a generation of young people choosing resilience over uncertainty and opportunity over limitation.
Lepakiyo’s story reminds us that empowering Indigenous youth is not about changing who they are.
It is about expanding what is possible.
Because when a young person gains a skill, they gain more than a livelihood.
They gain the power to inspire others.
And sometimes, that is how an entire community begins to change.
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