Many youth from pastoral areas have started embracing TVET education which they initially shunned due to the notion, myth and misconception that TVET centres are reserved for failures.
Thanks to intensified marketing campaigns by both the government and other organizations, the youth have changed their perceptions and are now enrolling in TVET centres to gain entrepreneurship and life skills development.
Sandra Chepkemoi, a food and beverage student at Kapenguria Vocational Training Centre, said the various TVET institutions opened in the area will be a game changer in the region known for banditry and cattle rustling activities.
She stated that the centres will help the youth engage in meaningful development, adding proudly that her new course will help her become self-employed.
Speaking during a five days roadshow campaign, West Pokot County Executive Committee Member [CECM] for Education Rebecca Kide challenged the youth to enroll in TVET centres next to their homes to be trained on opportunities that suit their qualifications.
“People with technical skills have an upper hand in securing job opportunities in the formal and informal sectors,” he said, even as she encouraged the youth to venture into entrepreneurship to help to address the joblessness in the country.
She said the government has invested in TVET colleges and requested for more support in terms of infrastructural development and employment of tutors.
“The government funds TVET trainees through HELB loans,” she explained, even as she urged members of the County Assembly to ensure every ward has a TVET institution to make education affordable and accessible for all learners.
West Pokot County TVET Director Samuel Lemale said the enrollment in the county’s TVET centres has increased to 2260 from 517 in 2018.
He said the increase is a result of sensitization of the community through radio, road shows, and inter-vocational sports.
Beria Wawira, a Programme officer at Zizi Afrique Foundation, said they aim to increase enrollment by next year and called upon the county government to equip the TVET centers.
Walter Odondi, a Senior MELs Officer at the same foundation, called TVET institutions alternative passways for students seeking to advance their education.
By Evans Kapusia
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
