By Jeff Mwangi
Residents of Merti have been urged to utilize the multi-million Merti Vocational Training Institute which has been neglected since its establishment in 2014.
Currently, there are only 20 students traversing the entire Ksh170-million facility supposed to help the locals acquire vocational skills after finishing school. It was built courtesy of the Isiolo North National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
A signboard for Merti Vocational Training Institute. The facility remains unutilized even after costing Kenya taxpayers more than 170 million Kenyan shillings.
Situated about 300kms from Isiolo town, the vocational training institute was put up as one of the centres of excellence that would uplift the youth and raise their standards of living through self-employment.
According to Mr. Geoffrey Mutua, a lecturer at the institution, the then area MP Joseph Samal hatched the brilliant idea, but the community would not buy it, youth preferring instead to hang idly around their Manyattas.
Mr. Geoffrey Mutua a lecturer at Merti Vocational Institute speaking to Education News reporter at the facility compaund.
“Samal had a big vision for the people of this area. He wanted youths to get access to vocational skills without travelling far but unfortunately, youths here do not value education. This is so sad,” said Mr. Mutua.
He appealed to both parents and youths to make good use of the facility.
Mr. Paul Mero, a resident, wondered why the locals were disinterested in the huge investment.
Few students at Merti Vocational Training Institute. The facility remains unutilized as locals are said not to value education.
He said the building was well planned with even a ramp besides the stairs and steps to make it friendly to people with disabilities.
“Such beauty is only found in big towns, but to be located in such a remote area is evidence of visionary leadership. Why are they neglecting it?” he wondered.
Mr. Paul Mero a resident from Isiolo who used to reside in Merti town speaks to Education News reporter outside the facility.
Contacted, Hon. Samal said his idea was futuristic as the expected growth of the area will attract investors, bringing along students from all over the country.
Isiolo North MP Mr. Joseph Samal the man behind the idea of putting up Merti Vocational Training Institution.
He said the cost they had incurred was not commensurate to the gains so far experienced.
“That institution has cost taxpayers a lot of money. There is a need for the locals to realize that and change their attitude,” he lamented.
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