A Kericho Member of County Assembly (MCA) has challenged Form Four leavers in the area to take advantage of Technical and Vocational Education and Training courses offered at Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College TVC to acquire relevant skills favorable to the current job market.
Speaking during the second day of a mega Exhibition on Agribusiness, Industry and Technological Innovation held at the Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College (KERITTVC), Kapkugerwet MCA Martin Cheruiyot asked parents to encourage their children to embrace technical courses offered at the institution which are more resourceful and guaranteed self- employment.
“I want to encourage parents and farmers, here, let us make use of this Technical institution by enrolling our children to acquire skills. The courses offered are tailored for the current job market and they will be able to gain meaningful employment or become self-employed, they will not regret the decision,” said MCA Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot who was the chief guest pledged full support of the TVET College through the allocation of bursaries and lobbying for support from relevant stakeholders in the education sector.
He noted the exhibition a first of its kind held at the learning institution will be held annually in a bid to fill the void of information and educational which had been occasioned by the stoppage of Kericho Agricultural Show which used to be held annually at the Kericho Green Stadium.
The MCA called on residents of Kapkugerwet, Kipchebor, Kapsoit, Kapsaos, Kipchichim wards and in the other six sub-counties within Kericho to take advantage of the TVET institution which offered market driven technical and business programs.
The MCA added that agriculture was now providing an opportunity for youths to be adopted as a skill to earn a living noting that it could help create employment both directly and indirectly.
In the same breath CMC Motors representative Philip Cheruiyot said the company had promised to donate an engine for training purposes and facilitate the actualization of an Automotive Engineering Course.
“We will mobilize for the donation of an engine for the automotive engineering class in addition to other automotive components to support the TVET institution,” said Cheruiyot.
Kipchimchim Ward MCA Philip Mutai noted that graduates of the TVC were already utilizing their skills in various businesses in Kericho town.
Principal Shadrack Tonui noted that agriculture is a significant player in meeting national objectives of employment creation, food security, poverty reduction and industrial transformation that are necessary drivers for economic growth.
“The college through its agriculture department teaches students on innovations and technologies which include tissue culture bananas, green house crop production, conservation agriculture, high yielding crop varieties, use of rizofos, plant clinics, development of farmers database, e-extension, vermiculture, urban and peri-urban farming among others.” added Principal Tonui.
Principal Tonui revealed that institution which is now two years old had a student population of 1,000 with 80 per cent of its programs being technical based with a performance rate standing at 87 per cent.
“The institution performance pass rate in South Rift stands at 87 per cent, courses are examined by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and we are registered by the Ministry of Education though TVET authority, with twelve government instructors,” said Tonui.
The Board of Management (BOM) Chairman Dr. Reuben Langat thanked the exhibitors for their support and urged the residents to take advantage of such forums to gain knowledge and skills.
Langat called on well-wishers and investors to assist in improving the institutions infrastructure so as to offer ample learning opportunities for its trainees both local and international.
The theme of the first agricultural exhibition themed “Economic Empowerment through Innovation” attracted over 20 exhibitors from various areas in the county notably Kericho GK Prison, AIC Litein Farm, Adonai Farm Chepsir, Cheres Farm and Nursery, Chepseon Dairies, Sigma Feeds Limited, Paksons Enterprises, The Palace Farm, CMC Motors among others.
The institute is situated 2km off John Kerich-Keongo Road outskirts of Kericho town while offering 28 both TVET certified diploma and certificate courses in Building and Construction Technology, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering (power), general Agriculture, Plumbing, Masonry, Fashion and Design, Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing, Catering and Accommodation, ICT, Store Keeping, Business management and Human Resource.
By Sarah Njagi
