The Kericho County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, describing it as a key driver of youth empowerment, skills development, job creation and long-term socio-economic transformation.
Governor Dr. Erick Mutai said sustained investment in vocational education has repositioned Kericho as a leading hub for skills development, innovation and enterprise.
Speaking during the graduation of 1,600 trainees from Vocational Training Centres across the county at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, he described TVET as a key driver of youth empowerment, skills development, job creation and long-term socio-economic transformation.
Dr Mutai noted that the county’s VTCs have evolved into vibrant engines of socio-economic transformation, intentionally designed to equip young people with practical, market-driven skills aligned to the changing demands of the labour market.
“Our vocational training centres across the county have become hubs of transformation, enrolling, equipping and graduating young people who might otherwise be left behind,” said Governor Mutai.
He added that by nurturing a skilled and self-reliant workforce, the centres are enhancing employability and entrepreneurship while shielding young people from idleness, social vices and economic vulnerability.
“The confidence and optimism reflected on the faces of today’s graduates is a clear testament to the impact and success of our Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme,” he said.
The governor revealed that several graduates from Kericho’s VTCs have secured employment opportunities beyond Kenya, including overseas placements, which he said underscores the quality and competitiveness of training offered in the county.
ALSO READ:
Kisii School to host annual English Workshop to equip teachers with new teaching methods
“Our programmes are producing graduates with practical competencies that meet both local and international industry standards, enabling them to compete effectively in a globalised labour market,” Dr Mutai noted.
Education County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Judith Chirchir said the graduation ceremony highlighted the county’s unwavering commitment to equipping youth with industry-aligned skills that enhance employability and spur economic growth.
“The County Government remains committed to strengthening vocational education and training and supporting our youth as they transition into the labour market,” said Chirchir.
She highlighted the Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme, implemented in partnership with the KCB Foundation, which has sponsored over 2,000 trainees across the county, significantly expanding access to vocational education.
Chirchir also lauded partnerships with development organisations, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO–ACCEL Africa), noting that they have supported trainer capacity building, entrepreneurship development and enterprise incubation.
“These collaborations ensure our trainees are well prepared for both wage employment and self-employment,” she said.
In a related development, Chief Officer for Education, Culture, Libraries and Social Services Richard Tonui said the county has prioritised the expansion and equipping of VTCs to meet growing community demand for skills training.
“This year alone, we have established three new vocational training centres in Benditai, Kabarak and Chemorir to increase access to training opportunities,” said Tonui.
ALSO READ:
Taveta MP to launch free secondary education programme targeting over 150 needy students
He added that three more centres in Kaborus, Cheptenye and Chamamanyik are currently under construction and are expected to be operational by next year.
Governor Mutai further revealed that since 2022, the County Government of Kericho has trained a total of 10,752 youths through its vocational training centres, firmly positioning TVET as a cornerstone of employment creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Graduation data showed that the 1,600 trainees completed courses in a wide range of technical disciplines, including hairdressing and beauty therapy, tailoring and fashion design, plumbing, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, masonry, food and beverage production, welding and fabrication, carpentry and joinery, and information communication technology.
The county leadership commended instructors, VTC managers, parents and industry partners for ensuring training remains relevant, practical and responsive to labour market needs.
Graduates were urged to apply their skills with confidence, integrity and innovation, and to become job creators and ambassadors of excellence as Kericho County continues to position TVET as a foundation for inclusive growth and economic transformation.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
