Mandera partners with state to improve training centres

The Mandera county government has partnered with with the national government to improve infrastructure and cover the operational costs of the seven vocational training centres in the region.

This was revealed by Governor Mohamed Khalif when he witnessed the graduation of 434 students from four VTCs in Mandera, Takaba, Rhamu and El Wak.

The co-financial approach, Khalif said, involves an equal contribution of funds from both governments through subsidised vocational training grants.

For the 2022-23 financial year, the governor said his administration has allocated Sh30 million to finance both the recurrent and development expenses of the VTCs in the area.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the national government and our partners, whose continuous support has been integral to the success of our vocational training centres," the governor said. 

"Their efforts have helped increase access to education and training opportunities for our youth, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead.” 

Khalif said his administration was committed to investing in the local youth, hence the reason for establishing VTCs across the region.

“As a county, we have made remarkable strides in the field of technical and vocational training, with the establishment of seven centres across the region.

"These centres have played a crucial role in providing quality education and skills training to our youth, who have become successful entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders in their own right,” he said.

The governor said the county wants to create an environment where the youth can thrive and become leaders and entrepreneurs.

“Therefore, I call upon more young people to enrol in our vocational training programmes, assuring them that the county government will continue to invest in these centres to provide quality education and training,” Khalif said. 

The governor announced that each graduate will be awarded a certificate and start-up kit to aid them in their entrepreneurial journey.

Recently, the governor launched a free secondary education programme of Sh350 million as part of his  commitment to promoting access to quality education.

The initiative, he said, will ensure that every child in the county has access to quality secondary education, regardless of their family's financial situation.

“My administration believes that investing in our youth's education is the key to unlocking the county's potential, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make this a reality," Khalif said.