- Busia County has launched the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Programme to strengthen technical and vocational education.
- A modern Culinary Arts Training Workshop has also been commissioned at Namasali Vocational Training Centre.
- County leaders say the initiative will equip youth with market-driven skills for employment, entrepreneurship and the Blue Economy.
Busia County has strengthened its commitment to technical and vocational education following the launch of the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST) Programme and the commissioning of a modern Culinary Arts Training Workshop at Namasali Vocational Training Centre.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Busia and the Government of Canada to modernise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The programme seeks to improve training infrastructure, modernise equipment, strengthen institutional capacity and equip trainers with Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) skills.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma described the initiative as a major investment in the county’s human capital.
He said vocational education remains critical in preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship within the Blue Economy and other emerging sectors.
According to the Governor, Busia’s strategic location along the Lake Victoria Basin and the Northern Transport Corridor presents enormous opportunities in fisheries, hospitality, agribusiness, logistics, manufacturing and cross-border trade.
He said the programme will equip learners with practical, industry-driven skills required to take advantage of these opportunities while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The newly commissioned Culinary Arts Training Workshop is expected to provide trainees with industry-standard practical skills in hospitality and food production, improving the quality of training offered at the institution.
County officials said the investment reflects the county’s commitment to producing graduates who meet labour market demands both locally and internationally.
Partnership for development
The launch was attended by County Executive Committee Member for Education and Industrial Skills Development Beatrice Nakholi, County Executive Committee Member for Sports Paul Olung’a, KBEST officials, chief officers, Members of the County Assembly and other education stakeholders.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening TVET education through strategic international partnerships.
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The launch marks another milestone in Busia County’s efforts to position vocational training as a catalyst for youth empowerment, job creation and sustainable socio-economic development.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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