Kericho: Kericho Governor, Dr. Erick Mutai, has called on graduates from Technical Training Institutes (BTTI) to position themselves for the expanding employment opportunities both locally and internationally. Dr. Mutai said the Kericho County government is strengthening linkages between skilled youth, ongoing development projects, and the global labour market.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mutai emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training in driving economic transformation and empowering youth through skills development. Speaking at the Belgut Technical Training Institute (BTTI) inaugural graduation ceremony, which was held at Seretut/Cheptororiet Ward in Belgut Sub-county and attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, he highlighted the need for graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability to remain competitive in the rapidly changing labour market.
Dr. Mutai noted that the Council of Governors, in collaboration with the national government and other stakeholders, is developing frameworks to facilitate access to overseas employment opportunities for skilled youth. This includes providing support in documentation, guidance, and information on available jobs abroad. The Governor further emphasized the priority of local job creation through ongoing infrastructure projects in Kericho County, which are designed to absorb a significant number of skilled graduates.
Key development projects cited by Dr. Mutai include the upgrading of Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, construction of Kapkatet Stadium, the Affordable Housing Programme at Chelimo, expansion of Kerenga Airstrip, and ongoing road and market infrastructure works. These projects aim to provide internships, industrial attachments, and employment opportunities for graduates.
Additionally, Dr. Mutai revealed efforts to engage tea factories, manufacturing industries, and agribusiness enterprises in Kericho to expand employment pathways beyond government projects. He also expressed condolences over the recent fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, which resulted in the loss of 16 children, and called for strengthened safety standards in learning institutions.
Belgut Technical Training Institute Chief Principal Benard Korir highlighted the institution’s growth from an initial intake of 100 students in 2019 to more than 8,000 students currently enrolled in various technical and vocational programmes. Korir attributed this growth to sustained support from the National government, the Belgut NG-CDF, and development partners, including the area Member of Parliament, Nelson Koech.
The institution has established itself as a center of excellence in Information Communication Technology and Fashion and Design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its tailoring department played a key role by producing face masks and uniforms for the local community. The institution’s digital hub, equipped with over 150 computers, provides digital skills training, internet access, and online job search support to learners and the public.
The graduation ceremony marked Belgut Technical Training Institute’s inaugural graduation since its establishment, bringing together Members of the County Assembly, representatives from the University of Kabianga, County officials, education stakeholders, development partners, parents, and students. The event celebrated the graduation of 1,741 trainees and underscored the institution’s continued growth in technical and vocational training.
