Kericho: The Kericho County Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic pillar for youth empowerment, skills development, job creation, and long-term socio-economic transformation. Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 1,600 trainees from Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, Governor Dr. Erick Mutai highlighted the county’s focus on vocational education as a means to reposition Kericho as a leading hub for skills development, innovation, and enterprise.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mutai noted that the county’s vocational training centres have evolved into vibrant engines of socio-economic transformation. These centres are deliberately designed to equip young people with practical, market-driven skills aligned to the evolving demands of the labour market. By nurturing a skilled and self-reliant workforce, the VTCs are enhancing employability and entrepreneurship while safeguarding young people from idleness, social vices, and economic vulnerability.
Governor Mutai emphasized the impact of the county’s Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme, which has been instrumental in transforming the lives of young people. He revealed that a number of graduates from Kericho’s VTCs have secured employment opportunities beyond Kenya, including overseas placements. This milestone reflects the quality, competitiveness, and labour market relevance of the training offered in the county.
Education County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Judith Chirchir echoed the governor’s sentiments, underscoring the county’s unwavering commitment to equipping young people with practical, industry-aligned skills that enhance employability and drive economic growth. She highlighted the role of the Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme, implemented in partnership with the KCB Foundation, which has sponsored over 2,000 trainees across the county, significantly expanding access to vocational education.
Chirchir also lauded partnerships with development organisations, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO-ACCEL Africa), which have supported trainer capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and enterprise incubation. According to the CECM, these collaborations ensure that trainees are adequately prepared for both wage employment and self-employment.
In a related development, Chief Officer for Education, Culture, Libraries, and Social Services Richard Tonui stated that the county has prioritised the expansion and equipping of existing VTCs in response to rising community demand for skills training. Three new vocational training centres have been established this year in Benditai, Kabarak, and Chemorir to increase access to training opportunities. Additionally, three more VTCs in Kaborus, Cheptenye, and Chamamanyik are currently under construction and are expected to be operational by next year.
Governor Mutai further revealed that since 2022, the County Government of Kericho has trained a total of 10,752 youth through its vocational training centres, firmly positioning TVET as a cornerstone of employment creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Graduation data showed that the 1,600 trainees completed courses in diverse technical disciplines, reflecting the breadth and inclusivity of the county’s vocational training programs.
The CECM commended instructors, VTC managers, parents, and industry partners for their role in ensuring training remains relevant, practical, and responsive to labour market needs. Graduates were urged to apply their skills with confidence, integrity, and innovation and to become job creators and ambassadors of excellence as Kericho County continues to position TVETs as a foundation for inclusive growth and economic transformation.
