Trans Nzoia County will channel Ksh 15 million bursary funds to support needy students, an equivalent to 30 percent of the Trans Nzoia County Elimu Bursary Fund allocated based on student enrolment.
This was said by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Education Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama during a consultative meeting with the 32 Vocational training centres managers and stakeholders to refine the draft policy and deliberate on challenges hindering the growth of vocational institutions.
“The funds will follow the students. Centres with higher enrolment will receive more support. I challenge managers to boost admissions so that learners do not miss out,” said Mutama.
She added that the county has set aside Ksh45 million in capitation funds to support learning across vocational institutions. Mutama called for a standardized fee structure to reduce disparities that often confuse parents, while acknowledging that the absence of a lunch programme continues to drive dropout rates. She pledged that the department would explore sustainable solutions.
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The CEC further announced the rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme by the national government, with Trans Nzoia designated as the Western region’s coordinating hub.
County Director for Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti urged centre managers to embrace production and establish income-generating activities to ease reliance on county funds. “Centres should begin making items or offering services that generate revenue. This is the way forward,” he said.
He added that managers must submit updated enrolment lists to ensure bursaries reach genuine beneficiaries, and revealed that the county is expecting a consignment of tools from the “Tools to Work” organisation for distribution across centres. Managers were also asked to forward names of volunteers actively supporting learners.
Mutama underscored the importance of input from centre managers, describing them as the people “who know where the shoe pinches most.” She noted that their proposals would help shape practical guidelines that respond to the needs of learners and institutions.
During the forum, managers raised concerns over poor infrastructure, inadequate tools, and staffing shortages, which they said continue to undermine retention and enrolment. In response, Mutama and Lusweti assured them of the county government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and strengthening vocational training as a pathway to youth empowerment and economic growth.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Director of Vocational Training Eric Baraza and Deputy Quality Assurance Officer Sichangi Baraza.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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