Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich has launched a Sh30 million programme to empower more than 500 youth.
The Tujiajiri scholarship programme is fully funded by the county government in conjunction with KCB Foundation.
Through the initiative, the youth will be enrolled in various Vocational Training Centres in the county to learn technical courses.
County government director for sports and youth affairs Mike Mosi said the county and the foundation will each give half of the funding.
Iten Vocational Training Centre manager Mark Kilimo, whose institution received 100 slots, said all the learners have reported for studies this term.
The institution with a student population of 470 offers a wide range of artisan courses including welding, motor vehicle technology, hair dressing, tailoring and dressmaking, plumbing, and food and beverages, among others.
The trainees are examined by the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) and the National Industrial Training Authority (Nita).
"Nita or Knec certificate is recognised by employment bureaus both locally and internationally. In fact, we have our former students who have secured jobs overseas," Kilimo said.
He said although a good number of students graduating from polytechnics have been venturing into self employment, some of them have sought jobs outside Kenya.
“With the training and certificates they get, the youth will be able to compete for jobs in the local market,” Kilimo said.
Kilimo said the institution has 15 staff members, including nine hired by the government and six paid by the school board of management.
He said Iten polytechnic equip learners with skills required to start up their own businesses upon completion of the studies.
Tujiajiri scholarship programme is not limited to paying fees but it will extend support towards purchasing tool kit comprising all the necessary equipment required for the trainees to start practice.
Mosi said the tools of trade will be given to successful trainees.
Purity Kiptoo, a gender officer in charge of the programme, said three special students were set to benefit from the scholarship and were expected to join Kapsabet School For The Deaf but one of them has since reported.
John Maritim from the directorate of Planning and Budgeting challenged Iten polytechnic to carry out branding of the institution.
Governor Rotich told the Star he was keen to support youth in the county to have necessary skills so they can qualify for self employment or in various sectors
