The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Vihiga Chapter, in partnership with the World Bank supported Nyota project, has convened a multi-stakeholder forum to organize local artisans, streamline youth apprenticeships, and accelerate trade and small-scale manufacturing across the County.
The engagement brought together master artisans, informal sector traders, and project supervisors from Hamisi, Vihiga, Luanda, Emuhaya, and Sabatia Sub-counties to discuss operational guidelines, clarify mentorship structures, and review practical training for Nyota beneficiaries.
Speaking at the forum, KNCCI Vihiga Chapter Chairman ,Dr. Billy Nyonje, said sustainable economic growth in Vihiga will depend on practical innovation, technical expertise, and self-reliance, rather than academic qualifications alone.
“The path forward in Vihiga is trade and manufacturing,” Dr. Nyonje stated,adding, “Many people have degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs, but paper credentials alone won’t put food on the table. We are urging our people to pursue practical creativity to develop skills that generate income.”
Dr. Nyonje noted that the County has highly skilled artisans in mechanics, leatherwork, welding, tailoring, electrical work, and hospitality who lack formal certificates.
Under the Nyota framework, these master artisans are being recognized, organized, and paired with young entrepreneurs to transfer hands-on skills.
“This creates a multiplier effect,” he added. “One person mentors five, five mentors twenty, and twenty mentors fifty. By organizing our artisans and giving them recognition, we are building a structured business community that benefits the entire County.”
KNCCI Vihiga CEO, Dr. Wycliffe Chabaya said the Chamber had met with all entrepreneurs and traders who supervise Nyota students during practical training to review the challenges they face.
“We have confirmed that each trader possesses what is needed to instruct those students in the abilities and expertise they require,” Dr. Chabaya said.
He invited traders to join the Chamber to help address issues affecting members and to ensure commerce is conducted in a secure environment.
Dr. Chabaya thanked the County administration for repairing security lighting and called for swift completion, noting that many markets in Vihiga County have remained dark.
He also urged for the rapid execution of the ongoing solar power initiative. “We appreciate you, and we’ll continue collaborating and developing Vihiga” he concluded.
Dr. Chabaya also briefed participants on administrative changes under Nyota following new guidance from the Ministry of Youth. The initiative is shifting from the “Employer” model, which ties remuneration to post-training job placement, to the “Master Coach/Coordinator (MC)” model, which emphasizes structured mentorship.
The Chamber of Commerce has already submitted requests to update participant designations in the national database to reflect this change.
It was noted that while “Employers” may handle more students, payment is only made upon students securing jobs, making the “MC” track preferable for many. Coordinators were directed to immediately issue practical training logbooks to all enrolled students who do not have them to ensure smooth implementation.
During the session, participants also raised concerns over the past 60 days regarding limited communication and confusion between “diploma” and “diplomacy” roles. Leadership acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the need for individualized feedback rather than general updates going forward.
KNCCI officials further urged local traders to register as Chamber members to strengthen collective bargaining and advocate for a better business environment.
The Chamber commended the Vihiga County government for repairing high-mast market lights and called for faster roll-out of planned solar energy projects, to improve security and enable longer trading hours.
The forum concluded with an invitation to attendees to register for the upcoming “Vihiga Ignite 2026 Youth Business Dinner” for networking and public-private partnerships. Chamber membership matters are to be handled through designated coordinators.
By Convivian Khasoha and Kelly Barasa
