Some 19 students who benefitted from a scholarship programme that was jointly rolled out by Turkana County Government, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Toyota Kenya in early 2019 have completed their study programmes and will graduate soon.
CEC for Education, Sports, Youth and Social Protection Charles Lokiyoto said the trainees have completed their studies and are currently waiting to graduate as artisans in automotive mechanics later this year,
Lokiyoto was speaking on Monday at the Department of Education headquarters during a meeting with the 19 trainees.
CEC Lokiyoto said that the would-be 19 graduates were competitively selected for the scholarship award from the local community in Turkana and the refugee community residing at the Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement scheme before admission to the program in various vocational centers across the county.
While noting the significant role played by vocational training in creating human resources for the current and future needs, CEC Lokiyoto expressed optimism that the group will immensely contribute to the service industry either as self-employed or employees.
He added, ”the one year practical and theoretical experience gained by the graduates in fuel and lubrication, engine servicing, handling of suspensions, and vehicle body works was examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).”
Lokioto advised the group to take advantage of the existing livelihood and social advancement kitties including the Youth and Women Fund, biashara fund, to access start-up capital and further training in entrepreneurial development either as individuals or self-help groups.
County Chief Officer for Education Pauline Lokuruka advised the group to embrace the continuous building of new knowledge and expanding their skills base since the world was dynamic and so was the field of mechanical engineering.
The occasion was also attended by Stephen Eregae (Director Vocational Training), Andrew Losuru (Deputy Director of vocational training), John Karanja (Principal Youth Officer), and the senior office administrator in the directorate of vocational education Mr. Christopher Etoot.
By Peter Gitonga
