County Government of Kisumu Chief Officer for Education, Bovince Ochieng, has challenged over 3,000 vocational graduates to leverage their technical skills to navigate the competitive job market.
Ochieng encouraged the youth to embrace technical careers over traditional white-collar roles.
“Let nobody lie to you that success only comes in suits. In most cases, success comes in overalls, with grease on your hands and money in your pocket,” he said.
He further urged the graduates to uphold discipline and integrity as they begin their professional journeys.
“You are leaving here with something powerful, skills. In today’s world, skills are the new currency,” he said, emphasising the growing importance of technical expertise.
Ochieng spoke during the third joint Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) graduation ceremony at the Rotary Vocational Training Centre, where 3,165 trainees received certificates.
While congratulating the graduands, Ochieng acknowledged the realities they face as they transition into the labour market.
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“Jobs are few, but opportunities are everywhere, that is why today, you are ahead,” he said.
The graduates, trained in fields such as electrical installation, mechanics, hospitality, and construction, are expected to either seek employment or venture into self-employment, an option that often comes with challenges, including limited access to capital and tools.
During his address
“Your certificate will open the door, but your character will keep it open. Your skills will get you clients, but your integrity will keep them coming back,” he added.
‘The Kisumu County government is heavily investing in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to empower youth with technical skills, highlighted by a KSh 150 million investment in modern equipment and infrastructure in the 2024-2025 financial year’ he indicated.
Kisumu County has been investing in vocational training to address youth unemployment, with the rising number of graduates reflecting increased uptake of technical education.
However, the transition from training to sustainable livelihoods remains a key challenge for many graduates, as the county and other stakeholders work to ensure that skills development translates into real economic opportunities.
Meanwhile the County Government’s efforts to elevate the standard of technical education recently received a significant boost earlier following a high-level meeting between the County Government and an international development partner from the Netherlands.
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The Director of Tools to Work, Mr. Peter Peek and his team said the purpose of the move was to cement a new partnership aimed at mobilizing crucial resources for Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
The visiting team discussed key development initiatives, focusing specifically on the partnership for mobilizing tools and equipment to VTCs across Kisumu County.
Importantly,
Mr. Peek expressed his willingness to go beyond material donation by offering a comprehensive “Training of Trainers” program
‘This programme will empower local VTC instructors with specialized skills in the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment, including essential sewing machines. ‘ he said.
The CECM for Education John Awiti warmly welcomed the initiative, highlighting the critical role non-state actors play in the County development agenda.
“We are committed to fostering partnerships with non-state actors and development partners to promote quality training for sustainable development,” Mr. Awiti stated
“This initiative by Tools to Work and Sustainable Rural Initiatives directly supports our vision of transforming our VTCs into hubs of excellence with the right tools and highly skilled trainers,” he added.
By Fredrick Odiero
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