NGPU May 3, 2025

Nakuru Backs Youth Dreams with Bold Investments in Technical Education

Written by Roy Lumbe

Nakuru County is betting big on its youth—by transforming how they learn, train, and transition into the workforce.

To tackle unemployment and equip young people with practical, in-demand skills, the county government under HE Governor Susan Kihika is investing heavily in vocational and technical training to turn training centres into real launchpads for careers and entrepreneurship.

With the number of high school graduates growing yearly, Nakuru is shifting focus from traditional academics to hands-on skills that open doors to real jobs. The county is rolling out a dual Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model that blends classroom instruction with real-world industry experience.

This shift is already visible across the county’s 34 youth polytechnics in all 11 sub-counties. Facilities are being upgraded, new equipment is installed, and more trainers are being onboard. A classic example is the Mwariki Vocational Training College (VTC). Each trainee is eligible for a Sh30,000 capitation fund to ease access and boost enrollment.

But it doesn’t stop there. The county is forging strong ties with private companies so students can spend up to half their training time in actual work settings. This real-world exposure is key to bridging the gap between what’s taught in class and what employers need.

There’s also a deliberate effort to align training with market trends, especially in fast-growing areas like digital technology and technical trades. Short, targeted courses in entrepreneurship are also being explored to nurture business-savvy graduates who can create their own opportunities.

The thinking behind Nakuru’s approach mirrors successful global models, where industry-driven training has powered economic growth. By focusing on practical, skills-based learning and deeper collaboration with employers, the county is working to reverse the mismatch that leaves many graduates jobless.

Employers still struggle to find well-trained candidates despite the private sector accounting for over 70 per cent of Kenya’s formal jobs. Nakuru is aligning its training programs with the national Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework to ensure graduates are not just knowledgeable—but job-ready.

At its core, this strategy is about building a future where young people aren’t left behind. By investing in infrastructure and human potential, Nakuru is paving the way for a skilled, confident workforce ready to power the county’s economic growth.