Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in his subcounty office in Kiminini/HANDOUTHigh unemployment rates and a lack of technical skills could lead to a surge in crime in Trans Nzoia, an official has warned.
Vocational training county director Eliud Lusweti said Trans Nzoia has a high population of jobless youth and most do not have skills to engage in self-employment.
He gave the example of Tuwan ward, which has one of the highest populations in the county, especially young people.
“There is a widespread lack of access to skills-based training among the youth and the situation could lead to a rise in insecurity. We are sitting on a time bomb,” Lusweti said.
He said empowering youth with technical skills is no longer optional but an urgent necessity to ensure the youth are engaged in meaningful and productive activities.
Lusweti spoke on Monday while addressing stakeholders at Kitale Vocational Training Centre’s annual general meeting, where he urged unified efforts to address youth unemployment in Tuwan ward through technical skills training.
He praised Governor George Natembeya's administration for increasing student capitation funds to the vocational training centre from Sh2,000 to Sh13,000 per student.
He said Natembeya increased the budget for vocational centres from Sh7 million to Sh45 million for the 2025–26 financial year.
Lusweti said the county plans to offer start-up toolkits to every graduate in all 32 vocational centres across Trans Nzoia, a programme successfully rolled out during the county’s first-ever graduation ceremony for all TVETs.
The director also announced the county’s commitment to hiring 133 permanent and pensionable trainers in the upcoming fiscal year.
“This plan is geared towards ensuring staff shortages does not slow the momentum of vocational learning in our county,” he said.
Tuwan MCA Francis Obingo reaffirmed his support for the TVET development.
He highlighted infrastructural improvements, including two classrooms and promised to push for further enhancements like a perimeter wall and dining hall to be put up at Kitale VTC.
“Whether it’s construction, plumbing, beauty, or electrical work, there are countless job opportunities locally and abroad. Youth with skills have a competitive edge in today’s world,” Obingo said.
Board chairman Washington Ngesa stressed the need for practical experience, modern equipment and well-trained instructors.
He called for increased investments to ensure vocational training graduates are job-market ready.
The AGM made a collective call to parents, local leadership and civil society to rally behind vocational training and empower youth to become economically self-sufficient.
