- Busia County has commissioned a modern culinary arts training kitchen at Busia Vocational Training Centre.
- The facility, equipped with training equipment worth more than KSh1 million, was established under the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Programme.
- County leaders say the investment will strengthen practical skills training and improve youth employability.
Busia County has strengthened technical and vocational education following the commissioning of a modern culinary arts training kitchen at Busia Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
The facility, equipped with training equipment valued at more than KSh1 million, was officially commissioned by the County Government of Busia through the Department of Education and Industrial Skills Development in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada under the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST) Programme.
The commissioning took place during the second day of the KBEST Open House Forum, which brought together county leaders, education stakeholders, development partners, industry representatives and vocational training institutions.
The forum focused on strengthening skills development, promoting innovation and expanding employment opportunities for young people.
KBEST Senior Technical Advisor Joel Oloo said sustained investment in quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains essential in addressing labour market demands.
He noted that strategic partnerships are critical in equipping learners with practical, industry-relevant competencies while supporting employment and entrepreneurship.
Busia County Executive Committee Member for Education and Industrial Skills Development Beatrice Nakholi said the new culinary training kitchen will significantly improve practical instruction in hospitality and culinary arts.
She noted that trainees will gain hands-on experience using modern industry-standard equipment, enhancing the quality of training and preparing graduates for employment or self-employment.
“The investment reflects the county government’s commitment to strengthening vocational education and ensuring trainees acquire skills that respond to current industry demands,” she said.
Supporting youth employment
The KBEST Open House Forum also showcased innovations in vocational training while promoting collaboration between training institutions, industry players and development partners.
Participants discussed strategies for aligning TVET programmes with labour market needs, improving training standards and creating more opportunities for youth employment.
Among those attending the event were Deputy County Commissioner Julius Maiyo, members of the Busia County Assembly Education Committee, representatives from the KBEST Programme, Dhamira Moja Community-Based Organisation (CBO), vocational training managers and other education stakeholders.
County officials said the modern culinary training kitchen will strengthen practical learning while positioning TVET institutions as key drivers of innovation, youth empowerment and economic growth.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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