NGPU
October 14, 2024
Why Youth Should Enroll in Vocational Training Colleges
Written by Roy Lumbe
When H.E. Governor Susan Kihika assumed office two years ago, she faced the pressing challenge of high youth unemployment in Nakuru County.
In response, she prioritized equipping young people with technical skills through Vocational Training Colleges (VTCs) to boost employability and foster self-employment.
Her administration has since rolled out multiple initiatives to make vocational education accessible, affordable, and relevant to industry needs.
During her tours across Nakuru’s 55 wards, Governor Kihika identified the need to enhance youth skills by expanding VTC enrollment.
To date, 34 VTCs are fully operational, with plans underway to establish one in every sub-county according to her 2022 manifesto.
These institutions offer a wide range of practical courses, including fashion design, ICT, plumbing, catering, motor vehicle maintenance, masonry, electrical installation, and many more.
Such courses diversify the youth’s skillsets, preparing them to take advantage of various employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures.
To ensure affordability, the county government covers tuition fees and provides learning materials for every VTC student.
Each learner also receives an annual capitation of Sh 30,000, leaving them responsible only for personal upkeep.
This financial support reflects the governor’s commitment to making technical education accessible to all county youth and ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints.
Governor Kihika’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer has also driven her administration’s efforts to modernize training by adopting the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum.
This approach ensures students acquire market-ready practical skills that align with evolving industry demands.
The VTCs are further equipped with modern tools and equipment to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring learners are well-prepared to work in a rapidly changing job market.
In collaboration with international partners such as Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Forum CV, the county has upskilled VTC trainers to improve the delivery of the CBET curriculum.
These partnerships are enhancing both the quality of teaching and the capacity of trainers to meet industry expectations.
Additionally, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program provides individuals with informally acquired skills an opportunity to obtain formal qualifications.
This initiative promotes lifelong learning and enhances the employability and self-esteem of participants.
The affordable housing projects currently underway in Nakuru present a golden opportunity for VTC graduates.
With billions of shillings being invested in these developments, youth trained in masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical installation are well-positioned to secure jobs in the construction sector.
Moreover, these projects create opportunities for self-employment, with graduates able to work as independent contractors or offer specialized services.
Governor Kihika’s efforts are already yielding positive results, with more youth currently enrolled in the county’s VTCs.
Introducing free tuition and partnerships with global organizations has created a robust framework for vocational education, delivering not just academic qualifications but practical solutions to unemployment.
Through her leadership, the county fosters a generation of skilled, self-reliant youth capable of contributing to economic growth.
As more young people embrace technical education, they are transforming from job seekers to innovators and entrepreneurs, shaping the future of Nakuru County.
Governor Kihika’s focus on empowerment through vocational education is turning Nakuru into a model county, where youth have the tools to thrive in today’s job market and create opportunities for themselves and others.
