At least 180 youths from Machungwa, Matisi and Kitale Vocational Training Centres in Trans Nzoia County have been equipped with startup kits after completing their vocational courses, marking a major step toward helping them transition into self-employment. The beneficiaries were trained under the Child Rescue Kenya (CRK) programme, which provides both skills and tools tailored to each trainee’s trade to enable immediate entry into the job market.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Trans Nzoia County Chief Officer for Education and Vocational Training Kennedy Etiang hailed the partnership between the county government and CRK, describing it as a transformative initiative for vulnerable young people. He said the programme targets those most in need, offering practical training and startup support as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty.
Etiang noted that the initiative is opening doors for youths who would otherwise struggle to secure livelihoods and urged development partners to support vocational training centres across the county. He added that CRK has also been assisting trainees with examination fees, with at least 20 students already benefiting. According to him, technical and vocational education remains central to tackling youth unemployment, especially when learners are equipped with tools that allow them to start working immediately.
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The Chief Officer reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening all 32 vocational training centres across the 25 wards by ensuring they are adequately staffed and equipped. His sentiments were echoed by Trans Nzoia County Director for Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti, who praised CRK and its partner Cooperaid for their eight-year collaboration with the county. Lusweti said the provision of startup kits distinguishes the programme from many others that stop at training alone.
He noted that the initiative enables graduates to join the job market almost instantly, unlike many youths who remain unemployed due to lack of startup capital. Lusweti added that the county government is adopting a similar model, citing a recent countywide graduation where more than 2,500 trainees completed various courses, with several receiving startup kits.
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CRK Programmes Manager Stephine Baraza said the organisation has trained and equipped 945 youths since 2018. He noted that 180 beneficiaries had been supported this year alone, with monitoring reports showing significant life improvements; some graduates are now trainers, while others are supporting their families. Baraza announced that the programme will expand next year to Kaplamai and Kiminini Vocational Training Centres, with a special focus on teen mothers. More than 250 vulnerable youths are expected to benefit.
Several beneficiaries shared how the programme had changed their lives. Matanya Elijah, a Matisi VTC graduate, said he had been unemployed since completing his O‑level studies in 2017 but now has a certificate and practical skills in electrical installation. Plumbing graduate Ezekiel Wamalwa said the tools he received would allow him to begin work immediately. Fashion and design graduate Elizabeth Baraza said the programme had restored her hope as a young mother, while hairdressing trainee Scolastica Okoth Wawire encouraged more youths to enrol in vocational centres, saying technical skills offer sustainable livelihoods.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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