Nakuru County Strengthens TVETs to Harness Youth Potential.
The Nakuru County Government, in partnership with the National Government and other stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education. This initiative aims to boost the country’s capacity to deliver practical training that drives economic growth.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Ms. Zipporah Wambui, stated that the collaboration seeks to leverage technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to empower young people, enabling them to contribute positively to economic development.
She highlighted that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) focuses on accelerating economic progress by investing in key areas that create employment opportunities for skilled youth.
Ms. Wambui emphasized that as Nakuru County implements policies and projects aimed at job creation, there is a pressing need to equip young Kenyans with education and skills tailored to a dynamic and competitive global labor market. She noted that these efforts aim to enhance productivity among the youth.
During a visit to the Kongasis Vocational Training Center in Eburu-Mbaruk Ward, Gilgil Sub-County, Ms. Wambui revealed plans to rehabilitate the stalled facility.
Construction of the center began in 2013 but was never completed. Once operationalized, the center will offer market-driven courses designed to equip youth with skills that create employment opportunities within the area.
Investing in Infrastructure and Partnerships
The CECM explained that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration is committed to fostering public-private partnerships to enhance investments in TVET institutions.
She acknowledged that increased enrollment in TVETs and polytechnics has been made possible through initiatives by both levels of government, which include significant investments in infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and equity.
Ms. Wambui expressed satisfaction with the upgrades and modernization of TVET institutions and polytechnics, noting that they have been equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to ensure trainees acquire globally competitive skills.
She highlighted the importance of technical education, particularly with the growing number of high school graduates entering the job market.
Ms. Wambui pointed out that the global labor market is shifting from theoretical expertise to practical-based skills. She observed that many Kenyans with academic qualifications remain unemployed due to a mismatch between skills and career choices.
She also emphasized the growing shortage of technicians and artisans in Kenya, noting that achieving the Kenya Vision 2030 requires 90,000 technicians and over 400,000 artisans to fill the current gap.
Aligning Training with Industry Needs
The CECM assured that the County administration is prioritizing the alignment of vocational training with industry demands to address youth employability. She underscored the importance of a dual TVET approach, which combines theoretical instruction with hands-on workplace training.
Governor Kihika’s leadership, she said, aims to match skills with certifications, ensuring individuals with practical expertise are recognized, while those with academic credentials are equipped with the necessary skills to drive economic growth.
Ms. Wambui highlighted the importance of establishing robust TVET-industry linkages to produce employable graduates.
She noted that challenges in TVET institutions, such as inadequate practical training and insufficient industry engagement, have hindered their ability to meet growing industry demands. However, the County, in collaboration with its partners, is focused on building a workforce that will transform Nakuru County into an economic powerhouse.
The County Government is working on partnerships with private companies to provide TVET and youth polytechnic students with practical industry experience during their studies. According to Ms. Wambui, the initiative aims to bridge the skills gap by ensuring students spend at least 50 percent of their training in relevant industries.
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She also announced that funds have been allocated to youth empowerment programs, including upgrading facilities at the County’s Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to meet required standards and attract more enrollments.
TVET Landscape in Nakuru County
Nakuru County boasts 24 youth polytechnics spread across its 11 sub-counties. According to the Technical Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), the county has two accredited public TVET institutions—the Dairy Training Institute in Naivasha and the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology in Njoro. Additionally, there are 18 accredited private TVET institutions in the region.
Ms. Wambui reiterated the County’s commitment to addressing unemployment through practical training and partnerships that align with labor market demands. She expressed optimism that these initiatives would unlock the potential of Nakuru’s youth and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
Nakuru County Strengthens TVETs to Harness Youth Potential.
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