Kisumu county has distributed Sh18 million worth of tools and equipment to 28 Vocational Training Centres across its eight subcounties.
The move aims to boost youth skills development and economic
empowerment.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Anyang' Nyong’o said the investment will benefit more than 6,500 trainees, equipping them with modern, industry-standard tools to enhance hands-on training.
“We are not just here to hand over tools and equipment, but
to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering our youth, strengthening
our technical skills sector and driving our county toward a prosperous and
self-reliant future,” Nyong’o said.
The governor said the equipment would support training in
trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, garment making, welding,
beauty therapy, ICT, and other technical skills in line with Competency-Based
Education and Training (CBET).
“With this equipment, our trainees will gain practical, competency-based
learning that ensures they are not only certified but truly skilled and ready
to work,” he added.
Nyong’o described technical training as “the backbone of job
creation and enterprise development,” saying each tool distributed is “a seed
that will grow into small businesses, innovations and skilled employment.”
The county recently hosted a conference at Akado Vocational
Training Centre to discuss strengthening CBET and the governor said the
flag-off was part of implementing ideas from that forum.
He urged trainees to make full use of the equipment, “learn
diligently, innovate boldly and remember that the skills you acquire can
transform not just your life, but also your community.”
The county government has committed to continue strengthening VTCs, expanding access and linking graduates to job opportunities both locally and globally.
