Governor Susan Kihika Champions Vocational Training Transformation

Written by Roy Lumbe

Nakuru County Governor H E Susan Kihika has highlighted her administration’s commitment to transforming Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Nakuru County by enhancing infrastructure and equipping facilities to provide quality training.

Speaking while presiding over the graduation ceremony of 4,146 students from VTCs, Governor Kihika revealed that in the 2023/24 financial year, eight workshops were constructed for Sh15.2 million, and nine VTCs were equipped with modern tools and equipment worth Sh15.7 million.

She added that a capitation fund of Sh30,000 per trainee was established and is ongoing to support enrollment further and ease the financial strain on families. At the same time, needy students benefited from a bursary covering lunch programs.

Addressing the graduates, Governor Kihika commended their resilience and hard work. “Today marks a significant milestone. You’ve acquired essential skills and are now ready to contribute to our country’s economy and beyond,” she said, thanking VTC principals, instructors, and support staff for their dedication to youth development.

Governor Kihika also celebrated key achievements, such as increased enrollment from 5,361 trainees last year to 6,250 this year, signifying growing recognition of vocational training’s value.

Additionally, the county introduced competency-based education and training (CBET) programs that are aligned with industry standards to better prepare students for the workforce.

She noted that partnerships with local businesses have provided trainees with hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Governor Kihika added that quality assurance remains a priority, with both the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) serving as examining bodies to uphold rigorous competency standards.

To foster innovation, she said that the county has prepared a draft policy to establish innovation hubs within VTCs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

“Innovation and hands-on skills are key in today’s fast-paced world,” noted the Governor, emphasizing the importance of creative problem-solving in vocational training.

Governor Kihika acknowledged the county’s partnership with organizations like Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Forum CIV, Dan Church Aid, KCB Foundation, and the Rift Valley National Polytechnic.

She celebrated the achievements of graduates such as Charles Mwangi, now a thriving ICT entrepreneur, and Viola Cherotich, recently recruited by the Kenya Defense Forces, as testaments to the program’s success.

The governor further encouraged the graduates to embrace new opportunities, continue learning, and strive for excellence.

“The journey of growth and learning does not end here; it is a lifelong pursuit,” she advised, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to transforming Nakuru’s vocational training landscape.