Busia County marked a major milestone in its youth empowerment and industrialization agenda with the graduation of 733 youths from vocational training programs.
The ceremony, held under the banner of a partnership between the County Government and the KCB Foundation’s 2jiajiri Program, saw 423 county-sponsored and 310 self-sponsored trainees awarded National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certifications.
This came after the graduands completed intensive training in trades ranging from ICT, Solar Technology, Carpentry, and Fashion Design to Mechanics, Hair and Beauty, and Food and Beverage.
The initiative which was backed by Kshs 35 million, three-year matching fund, forms part of the county’s broader strategy to equip youth with practical, market-ready skills.
Governor Dr. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, who presided over the event, described the graduation as a “turning point” in Busia’s pursuit of sustainable development.
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He emphasized the critical role of skilled youth in supporting flagship projects such as the Nasewa Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park and the Export Processing Zone, key pillars of the county’s industrial vision.
“The skills these young people have acquired are not just for personal growth, they are the building blocks of Busia’s future economy,” said Dr. Otuoma.
He directed relevant county departments to prioritize the engagement of these graduates in ongoing projects, including the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers across all wards.
The graduation was also attended by KCB Foundation Head of Human Resources Cleophas Ambira, County Secretary Oscar Juma, Education CECM Beatrice Nakholi, Members of County Assembly, officials from NITA, and representatives from the national government.
The graduation marked the first cohort under the county’s enhanced vocational training framework, and reflects growing momentum behind public-private partnerships aimed at solving youth unemployment through targeted skills development.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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