Forty-one youth have graduated from Matisi Vocational Training Centre after completing a one-year skills development programme implemented by Child Rescue Kenya (CRK) in collaboration with the Trans Nzoia County Government, Department of Education and Vocational Training.
The initiative targets vulnerable and at-risk youth, equipping them with practical skills in hairdressing, garment making, plumbing, masonry and electrical work. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has trained 945 youth, many of whom have gone on to secure employment or set up their own businesses.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the Matisi training grounds, CRK Programmes Manager Stephen Baraza said the intervention has had a transformative impact across the county.
“Since 2018, we have trained 945 youths, and after graduation each one of them receives tools to start their own business,” Baraza said. “With the support of Cooperaid whose mission is to promote education for children in Africa and Asia , we are transforming the lives of young people in Trans Nzoia.”
He noted that graduates of the programme are visible in nearly all business hubs within Kitale and neighbouring towns, with some returning as trainers under the apprenticeship model. “In most business communities in town, you will not miss a young person who passed through Child Rescue Kenya,” he said.
Baraza commended the county government for supporting the programme by granting access to three public vocational institutions, Machungwa, Matisi and Kitale Vocational Training Centres. He also praised the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for shifting the learning focus to learners’ abilities rather than academic competition.
ALSO READ:
Double tragedy for Kisii family as father, varsity graduate son die in succession
“All 41 graduates will receive start-up toolkits,” he added, urging them to “use the tools to make money and change their lives.”
Trans Nzoia County Director for Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti lauded the CRK partnership, saying it has helped widen access to vocational skills for disadvantaged youths.
“Child Rescue Kenya had the option of taking this programme elsewhere, but they chose Trans Nzoia because they saw the need,” Lusweti said. “We appreciate their support to our vocational centres.”
He, however, expressed concern over the low number of boys enrolling in vocational training, attributing the trend to the lure of quick earnings in the bodaboda sector. “Many boys are rushing into bodaboda work and forgetting the importance of technical skills,” he said.
Lusweti encouraged more girls to enrol, saying they are increasingly becoming the backbone of Kenya’s skilled workforce. He added that Kenya’s growing population continues to fuel demand for professionals in construction, tailoring, food production and infrastructure development sectors that rely on technical expertise.
“The jobs are there. What we lack are the technical people to do the work,” he said, urging parents and local communities to support youths seeking vocational training.
Trans Nzoia County currently hosts 32 vocational training centres, which continue to receive equipment and infrastructure upgrades through various partnerships. Earlier this year, the county partnered with Tools to Work to supply modern equipment to training centres. Other collaborations include an Indian organisation providing specialised youth training, Safaricom’s investment in Kiminini Vocational Training Centre for persons with disabilities, and a German organisation constructing hostels in Cherangany.
Lusweti also announced that beginning the next financial year, the county government will pay Ksh 18,000 per trainee annually and cover examination fees for all students enrolling in vocational centres.
He further highlighted the rollout of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a national initiative that certifies skilled artisans without formal training. “There are many young people who can do great work but lack papers. This programme gives them an equal chance to compete in the job market,” he said.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
