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The project will focus on key training areas such as aquaculture, marine engineering, welding and fabrication, food processing, leather technology and water engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will also introduce emerging fields like aquaponics, recirculating aquaculture systems, blue entrepreneurship, and water hyacinth processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Muoria noted that the programme will integrate modern technologies in fish production, value addition and post-harvest handling, while promoting innovation in sustainable use of aquatic resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking during an evaluation visit at the institution, she emphasised that the project is critical in aligning training programmes with current economic trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe blue and green economies are now defining the future of skills development. This initiative ensures our training institutions remain relevant and responsive to these changes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that Kisumu\u2019s strategic location along Lake Victoria places it at the centre of regional blue economy activities, making it ideal for such an investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Principal Secretary further highlighted the government\u2019s commitment to equipping learners with relevant and market-driven skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not just about Kisumu or Kenya. We are establishing a centre that will serve the entire region and continent with modern, industry-relevant training,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project will also empower trainees to address environmental challenges, including the management of water hyacinth by converting it into commercially viable products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the initiative adopts a \u201clearning factory\u201d model, combining training, production and entrepreneurship. This approach will enable institutions to generate income while giving students hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project is valued at approximately Ksh 560 million, including a Ksh 500 million grant from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, alongside Ksh 60 million in counterpart funding from Kisumu National Polytechnic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initially scheduled for completion in December 2025, the project has been extended to May 2028 due to delays in approvals, with an implementation period of 30 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, more than 60 training curricula have been developed and approved, with over 600 trainees enrolled across six intake cycles since 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The polytechnic has also established partnerships with industry players, research institutions and fisheries agencies to ensure that training meets labour market demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon completion, the hub is expected to create more than 2,000 job opportunities in areas such as eco-aquaculture, blue remediation and blue entrepreneurship, positioning Kisumu as a centre of excellence in blue economy skills development across Africa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kisumu is on course to become a leading centre for blue economy skills development in Africa following the launch of a major training initiative at Kisumu National Polytechnic. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria has announced that the institution will be transformed into a regional hub for specialised […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23732,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education"],"yoast_head":"\n