Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub khatri has fulfilled a pledge to support more than 50 young people in acquiring passports, a move aimed at expanding employment and travel opportunities while empowering youth to pursue better futures.

According to Aharub the initiative is part of a broader commitment to transform lives and offer meaningful opportunities to young people who have chosen to walk away from social vices and embrace positive change.

"Today, I honored a promise I made a month ago to over 50 young people, supporting them to acquire their passports,” said Aharub.

Adding “These youth chose to turn their lives around by walking away from social vices and choosing a better path. True change goes beyond words,  it means preparing them for the future and opening doors to employment opportunities both within our country and beyond our borders.”

He emphasized that the initiative seeks to restore hope among young people who once felt excluded from opportunities, adding that his commitment to youth empowerment remains unwavering.

"My commitment has never wavered and remains clear — to transform lives, restore hope and reconnect our young people to meaningful opportunities so that they can live a dignified life,” he added.

Beneficiaries of the program expressed gratitude, saying the support would help them pursue education, employment and international opportunities.

Halima Juma said financial challenges had previously prevented her from owning a passport, describing the initiative as life-changing.

“I have always wanted to own a passport but due to financial challenges I have not been able to do so. Mine is to thank the Speaker for this move, I believe it is going to open many doors for me,” she said.

For Irene Aseka, receiving her first passport marked a significant milestone as she searches for employment opportunities.

"This will be my first passport. I have never owned one and it will help me in securing a job since I’m currently jobless,” she noted.

Jimson Makaya, an electrical engineering student, said the document would help him pursue work opportunities abroad.

“My goal is to look for a job outside the country and I now have one of the major requirements thanks to our Speaker. This initiative will go a long way in solving youth unemployment since many will be able to seek jobs even beyond our borders,” he said.

The passport support program is part of ongoing youth empowerment efforts in Mombasa aimed at enhancing skills, promoting positive social change and improving access to economic opportunities locally and internationally.