The County Government of Kisumu has set aside a total of Ksh90,525,000 for capitation grants to assist youth enrolled in TVET programmes, Governor Anyang Nyong’o has announced.
In addition, Nyong’o said they have allocated a futher Ksh22 million for the acquisition of tools and equipment, ensuring that institutions remain at the forefront of providing quality training.
The governor urged all young people to take full advantage of these subsidized training opportunities for their personal development and career advancement.
Speaking at the Rotary Training Centre during the launch of a garage and a driving school, Nyong’o said quality training also depends on the availability of qualified staff.
Recognizing this, he said the government has approved the hiring of an additional 20 trainers whose recruitment is being fast-tracked to ensure they can begin work in January 2025.
To ensure that all our VET institutions grow equitably, he said they have also partnered with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) through the KBEST programme to introduce blue economy courses.
This partnership, Nyong’o indicated, will help build the capacity of trainers while also enhancing existing institutions with the necessary tools and resources to support the growth of industries like aquaculture, marine technology, and sustainable environmental practices.
He said the government has committed to establish 8 ‘Centres of Vocational Excellence’, adding that this financial year, through a collaboration with Commundo, they will establish two such centres focussing on motor vehicle mechanics and aquaculture.
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“We are also working with the Stanbic Foundation to offer digital literacy programmes to our youth, ensuring that they are well-prepared to participate in the digital economy,” he added.
Earlier, the Kisumu County Vocational Education and Training (VET) Policy of June 2024 was launched, about which the governor said is not just a document but a roadmap for the future of youth and a foundation for the sustainable development of vocational training in the county.
He said the VET Policy aims to empower Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) by creating opportunities for monetization, entrepreneurship and value addition to products and services.
The governor said the launch of the NTSA-assessed driving school is a perfect example of putting policy into action.
“This driving school will offer the expertise and skills needed to train a workforce that is essential for the growing demand in the transport sector,” he said.
Nyong’o expressed gratitude that the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model is being embraced by VTCs and TTIs.
This approach, he said, ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but are also equipped with the practical skills needed to meet the demands of the labour market.
He experssed confidence that youth will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to both local and global economies.
By Fredrick Odiero
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