Youth in Bungoma County are filled with anticipation as the county government is in the process to create over 10,000 jobs.
The County government hopes to avail the jobs by building an Industrial Park in Webuye in partnership with international investors.
Speaking to KNA, the Bungoma Governor, Wycliffe Wangamati said that unemployment is a big challenge both in Bungoma County and nationally.
Wangamati affirmed that his government is working on developing a partnership with international investors to help build an Industrial Park at Webuye.
The governor attributed the high levels of unemployment to the focus on courses that the market does not require.
To address this Wangamati said that his government is investing in developing skill-sets among the youth.
He said that the county government is upgrading 10 vocational training centres into centres of excellence with one in each sub county.
In Mt. Elgon Sub County the county is set to upgrade Kiptirok and Cheptais Vocational Training Centres with facilities to serve people with disabilities.
Others slated for upgrade include Naitiri in Tongaren, Sosio in Kimilili, Khasoko in Bumula, Matulo in Webuye West and Sinoko in Webuye East.
Wangamati added that plans are underway to combine Mteremko and Wekelekha into one campus to serve as a new satellite facility for automotive engineering.
The governor also noted that his government has allocated Sh.60 million in form of scholarships and bursaries to support needy students in Vocational Training Centres.
Wangamati expressed his belief that this move will help in preparing the youth to take up jobs created by the planned Industrial Park.
He also said that his government has bought five acres of land to accommodate Medical Training College in Kapsokwony to train the youth in courses like nursing and clinical medicine.
However, Wangamati called upon the youth in the county to do business as they wait for the government to create jobs.
Bungoma governor also advised the youth to seek internship opportunities to build up their curriculum vitae (CV).
“I know there will be jobs as we set up industries but it may not be immediate, before then, you can do business with the county, you can volunteer or even seek internship to build up your CV,”he said
Apart from business and internship, the governor urged the youth to indulge in farming activities and avoid engaging in petty offences that can lead to division in the community.
To grow talent, the governor said that his government has prioritized the ongoing renovation and modernization of
Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi to be completed in 24 months.
Wangamati also said that Sh. 200 million has been allocated by the county government to complete construction of the high altitude athletes training centre in Mt. Elgon.
The governor also said that his government is working towards setting up a sports and talent academy to nurture young talents.
By Sylvia Nyongesa
