Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has confirmed that training programmes and courses offered in the Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) will be tailored to address specific issues in Kisumu County.
The curriculum domestication, Prof Nyong’o said, has reached an advanced stage in the lakeside county through its Technical, Vocational Education and Training Bill, 2023. The draft also seeks to streamline the sector’s operationalization for sustainability.
He emphasized the need for VTCs to shift from a theory-based curriculum to competency-based training that equips youths with hands-on experience to fill the skill gaps that exist within the community.
The County boss assured that all the VTCs in Kisumu will adopt locally customized courses that equip trainees with life and entrepreneurial skills to get jobs or be self-employed.
These include masonry, tile laying, welding and fabrication, plumbing, hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry and joinery, shoe making and repair, motorcycle repair, panel beating, electrical wiring, cake making, brick making, driving course, poultry keeping and dairy farming.
Accompanied by the Education docket County Executive Committee Member (CECM) John Awiti, Prof Nyong’o made the remarks when he laid a foundation stone for the construction of Lela VTC in Kadibo Sub County.
“VTCs play a pivotal role in conducting skills training that matches the labor market. This milestone corroborates my agenda to establish Innovation and Business Incubation Centres in the County,” noted Nyong’o.
The Lakeside County has ramped up efforts to promote the development of its vocational education system by further planning the expansion of its VTCs base by ensuring at least one facility is set up in every Ward.
“The County Government of Kisumu has progressively established 27 VTCs in the past 15 years. Lela will be the 27th VTC in the County. We plan to open two more, Waware in Masogo/Nyang’oma, and Path Othany in East Seme,” he assured.
Prof. Nyong’o further disclosed that his administration has allocated capitation grants valued at Sh. 206 Million.
“We urge the youth to enroll in Vocational Training Centres near them since the County guarantees partial payment of applicable fees of Sh. 15,000.”
He urged all the education stakeholders to heighten sensitization and mobilization of the youth and the community to grab the opportunity and enroll for the short-term courses in the VTCs.
Lela VTC is set to start enrolling learners from August 2023 to pursue Grade I, II and III Artisan Courses and Artisan certificate examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Kenya National Examinations Council.
By Robert Ojwang’
