Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has flagged off equipment and tools worth Sh 20 million for more than 30 vocational training centres across the county, as the devolved government seeks to expand practical skills training.
Nyong’o said the equipment was part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen vocational training and was provided for in its 2025/26 financial year budget.
“Today we add a further Sh20 million. This is not something we do for the moment. We budgeted for it, planned and institutionalized it, in our FY 2025/26 budget,” Nyong’o said.
The governor said the number of vocational training centres in the county had increased to 30 from 28, with St Michael Mariwa in Koru-Muhoroni and Sang’oro in West Nyakach the latest centres to be established.
The county has more than 6,500 trainees, while 3,165 students graduated earlier this year in 11 disciplines, Nyong’o said.
He said the county was also working to address a shortage of trainers. Of the 384 trainers required, 97 had been recruited, with plans to hire 25 each financial year until the target is reached, he said.
Nyong’o urged young people to use vocational training to acquire skills that could enable them to create businesses rather than wait for formal employment.
The county has allocated Sh 11.9 million for bursaries for vocational training students, with additional funding expected during the financial year, he said.
Nyong’o said the county was seeking to develop a skills-based economy in the Lake Region by linking training with enterprise and income generation.
He cited the Rotary Vocational Training Centre in Kisumu City, where enrolment has risen to about 2,500 trainees from roughly 150 in 2022.
The centre offers courses including electrical engineering, masonry and plumbing, fashion and design, and information and communications technology, he said.
“These courses provide opportunities beyond formal employment,” Nyong’o said, adding that graduates could seek jobs or establish businesses.
The increase in enrolment has created pressure on the centre’s capacity, with the county needing to expand workshops and classrooms and recruit more instructors, he said.
County partnerships have also helped improve facilities and equipment, while some departments have introduced income-generating activities to give trainees practical work experience, Nyong’o said.
At Katito Vocational Training Centre, the county is establishing digital literacy and digital hubs to provide access to computers, online learning, research and digital services, he said.
County executive committee member responsible for education and ICT John Awiti said the county had been forced to limit enrolment at Rotary because of high demand.
County vehicles are also being repaired at the facility, Awiti said.
Leave a comment