In a move to increase access to professional and technical education in marginalized regions, the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Council (KASNEB) has launched a state-of-the-art digital learning centre in West Pokot County to help bridge the educational gaps.
Learners willing to pursue this professional training had before been being forced to travel to other places to acquire the skills hence increased costs and inconveniences.
Speaking during the launch of the hub at Kitelakapel Technical Training Institute (TTI) in West Pokot Sub County, KASNEB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. Nicholas Leting said the initiative was part of the KASNEB Foundation’s commitment to equip learners with modern skills necessary for effectiveness in economic transformations.
Prof. Leting reiterated that the digital centre would support students across disciplines, whether in agriculture, business, or technical courses, by providing additional skills that make them more employable.
“Our vision is to empower young people, especially from marginalised areas such as West Pokot, and give them equal opportunities to compete with other Kenyans,” said the CEO.
The facility, equipped with 30 computers and powered partly by solar panels due to the area’s unreliable electricity supply, is expected to serve hundreds of students, a move that residents lauded will transform the surroundings through attracting other businesses.
Prof. Leting confirmed that the Foundation had invested about Sh4 million in the project and called on the youth in the region to embrace both technical and professional training.
“KASNEB offers a wide range of qualifications from the Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (CPAK) and Certified Investment and Financial Management programmes, to diplomas in data management, computer networking, systems analysis, and certificate courses in accounting and management,” he stated.
He acknowledged that West Pokot is a county of many opportunities, a county of hidden treasures, as branded thus with the establishment of this accredited KASNEB centre at Kitelakapel, students would no longer need to travel to Kitale or Eldoret for these courses.
Kitelakapel TTI Principal Mrs. Phidis Masai hailed the launch as a turning point for the institution and the wider community.
“Since we are at the periphery, we are hardly noticed. That is why we truly appreciate KASNEB’s effort to identify us and fund this ICT hub in this marginalized and semi-arid area,” said Mrs. Masai.
She said that the institution faces many challenges, but with partners like KASNEB, they would transform the lives of many youth, inviting others like-minded to come on board.
Local residents also welcomed the project, saying it came at the right time to support President Dr. William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to expand opportunities across all regions in the country.
One Patrick Pkemoi noted that the centre would change the future of the community, regretting how for a long time youth have travelled long distances to towns like Kitale to access computer studies or exams.
“Many gave up because of the costs involved but now this project brought light to our village. For us elders, it gives hope that our sons and daughters will have better chances than before,” he said.
Trainees exuded confidence that the centre presents a life-changing opportunity whose time was long overdue.
They narrated how they have always wanted to pursue computer networking but thought it was impossible in the area.
“With these computers and courses, I can now compete with students from other parts of Kenya. I believe this centre will open doors for me and many of my friends,” said Anne Cheruto.
The digital centre is expected to not only improve ICT training but also act as an official examination hub for KASNEB courses, cementing the institution’s role as a beacon of opportunity in West Pokot County, which currently lacks a university.
By Richard Muhambe
