- Trans Nzoia County will commission a modern vocational training centre for visually impaired learners at Mitoto Vocational Training Centre in Kiminini on August 19, 2026.
- The centre includes a 24‑bed hostel, food processing unit, sheep rearing project, bakery, accessible classrooms, and an ICT lab funded by Safaricom Foundation, with solar power installed by Step International.
Trans Nzoia County is set to make history with the commissioning of a state‑of‑the‑art vocational training centre designed specifically for learners with visual impairments. The facility, located at Mitoto Vocational Training Centre in Kiminini, is expected to open on August 19, 2026, marking a major milestone in expanding inclusive technical education in Western Kenya.
The County Government of Trans Nzoia, working in partnership with Salus Oculi Kenya, has rolled out a public sensitisation campaign to encourage enrolment of persons with visual impairments ahead of the official handover. County Director of Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti described the centre as the first of its kind in the region, saying it will equip learners with practical skills to enhance self‑reliance and economic empowerment.
“This centre is unique in Western Kenya. We are urging parents and guardians of children living with visual impairments to enrol them so they can acquire market‑driven skills for self‑employment and improved livelihoods,” Lusweti said during an inspection tour.
The modern facility boasts a 24‑bed hostel for boys and girls, a food processing unit, a sheep rearing project, and a fully equipped ICT laboratory funded by the Safaricom Foundation. Step International has also installed a solar power system to guarantee a reliable electricity supply. The infrastructure includes accessible classrooms, dormitories, a dining hall, bakery, and ablution facilities tailored to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.
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Lusweti lauded the development, noting that the institution will provide a more conducive learning environment compared to what was previously available. He appealed to parents from Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties to take advantage of the specialised institution instead of sending learners outside the region.
“It would be unfortunate for learners to travel elsewhere in search of training when we now have a fully equipped facility here. This centre presents an opportunity to nurture talent and promote independence among persons with visual impairments,” he said.
The Department of Education and Vocational Training is finalising mechanisms to ensure vulnerable learners admitted to the institution benefit from county bursary programmes. Officials believe the centre will significantly improve access to quality vocational education and empower visually impaired students to pursue meaningful livelihoods.
The sensitisation campaign continues across the county as stakeholders prepare for the official commissioning. For Trans Nzoia, the new centre represents a commitment to inclusive education, community empowerment, and the dignity of learners with disabilities.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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